As more Soldiers seek to utilize robots to enhance their mission capabilities, controls are needed which are intuitive,
portable, and adaptable to a wide range of mission tasks. Android™ and iOS™ devices have the potential to meet each
of these requirements as well as being based on readily available hardware. This paper will focus on some of the ways in
which an Android™ or iOS™ device could be used to control specific and varied robot mobility functions and payload
tools. Several small unmanned ground vehicle (SUGV) payload tools will have been investigated at Camp Pendleton
during a user assessment and mission feasibility study for automatic remote tool changing. This group of payload tools
will provide a basis, to researchers, concerning what types of control functions are needed to fully utilize SUGV robotic
capabilities. Additional, mobility functions using tablet devices have been used as part of the Safe Operation of Unmanned
systems for Reconnaissance in Complex Environments Army Technology Objective (SOURCE ATO) which is
investigating the safe operation of robotics.
Using Android™ and iOS™ hand-held devices is not a new concept in robot manipulation. However, the authors of this
paper hope to introduce some novel concepts that may serve to make the interaction between Soldier and machine more
fluid and intuitive. By creating a better user experience, Android™ and iOS™ devices could help to reduce training time,
enhance performance, and increase acceptance of robotics as valuable mission tools for Soldiers.
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