Developing a Multi-Modal UGV Robot Control Interface

Unmanned ground vehicles (UGV) are currently being used or developed for operational maneuvers (e.g., reconnaissance and IED defeat), maneuver support (e.g., route clearance), and sustainment (e.g. convoy and resupply) missions. Despite the demonstrable benefits of UGVs, significant challenges remain to their effective integration into military operations.

Currently-fielded UGVs require active remote control or teleoperation, even for mundane tasks such as accompanying a soldier or vehicle during maneuvers. While UGVs have proven invaluable in removing warfighters from harm's way, most notably in explosive ordnance disposal missions, the current reliance on teleoperation strongly restricts the number of platforms that can be deployed and the range of missions that can be effectively supported.