We are working towards augmented and
virtual reality (AR/VR) based methods
for variable levels of autonomy between
operators and diverse types of ground,
submersible and aerial robots. We are also
creating HRI interface systems to ease the
operation of robotic systems.
The architecture for these RIRs has been
outlined and theoretical foundations
for system organisation and long-term
maintenance have been defined ready for
practical implementation.
The RAIN Hub will transform the way
humans interact with their robotic
tools. Operation, maintenance and
reconfiguration will be done by nuclear
engineers without robotics qualifications.
Future work will advance automated scene
modelling for VR and AR presentations by
the robots to their operators, and it will
integrate novel speech and 3D pointing
techniques for fast interactions in glove
boxes and remote object handling.
We are also instilling reliability and
accountability into our systems through
automated record-keeping of robot
operations and creating verifiable
HRI software systems with traceable
malfunctions.
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