Robots have been successfully deployed within bomb squads all over the world for decades. Recent technical
improvements are increasing the prospects to achieve the same benefits also for other high risk professions. As the
number of applications increase issues of collaboration and coordination come into question. Can several groups deploy
the same type of robot? Can they deploy the same methods? Can resources be shared? What characterizes the different
applications? What are the similarities and differences between different groups?
This paper reports on a study of four areas in which robots are already, or are about to be deployed: Military Operations
in Urban Terrain (MOUT), Military and Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD), Military Chemical Biological
Radiological Nuclear contamination control (CBRN), and Fire Fighting (FF). The aim of the study has been to achieve a
general overview across the four areas to survey and compare their similarities and differences. It has also been
investigated to what extent it is possible for the them to deploy the same type of robot.
It was found that the groups share many requirements, but, that they also have a few individual hard constrains. A
comparison across the groups showed the demands of man-portability, ability to access narrow premises, and ability to
handle objects of different weight to be decisive; two or three different sizes of robots will be needed to satisfy the need
of the four areas.
The military have a considerable amount of experience from using robots for mine clearing and bomb removal. As new
technology emerges it is necessary to investigate the possibly to expand robot use. This study has investigated an Army
company, specialized in urban operations, while fulfilling their tasks with the support of a PackBot Scout. The robot was
integrated and deployed as an ordinary component of the company and included modifying and retraining a number of
standard behaviors to include the robot. This paper reports on the following issues: evaluation of missions where the
platform can be deployed, what technical improvements are the most desired, and what are the new risks introduced by
use of robots? Information was gathered through observation, interviews, and a questionnaire.
The results indicate the robot to be useful for reconnaissance and mapping. The users also anticipated that the robot
could be used to decrease the risks of IEDs by either triggering or by neutralising them with a disruptor. The robot was
further considered to be useful for direct combat if armed, and for placing explosive loads against, for example, a door.
Autonomous rendering of maps, acquiring images, two-way audio, and improved sensing such as IR were considered
important improvements. The robot slowing down the pace of the unit was considered to be the main risk when used in
urban operations.
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