Van Dam set up two training scenarios in which a team from the Drenthe Safety Region – comprising an officer on duty, a hazardous substances adviser, reconnaissance officers and an operator – carried out reconnaissance missions together with the BAS reconnaissance robot. Observations and interviews provided valuable insights into the collaboration between humans and robots.
Key insights
The research shows that the robot needs further development, particularly in terms of modularity: the ability to easily swap and add sensors is essential. It has also become clear when the use of the robot offers added value. In straightforward situations, human reconnaissance is still faster, whilst the robot proves its worth particularly in complex, confusing and high-risk situations. Clear guidelines for its deployment are therefore required. Finally, the increasing use of robots raises questions about the future collaboration between robotic and human reconnaissance within fire crews.
Contribution to High-tech IGO
The High-tech IGO project focuses on better protecting security personnel against threats such as hazardous substances, by combining detection, spatial information and robotics into an integrated solution for first responders. Van Dam’s exploratory research provides key building blocks for this: it identifies where future research into reconnaissance robots should focus within this broader development.
