Application of Soft Computing Techniques to Rescue Operation Planning

Human cooperation with robots receive increasing attention in many areas in order to deal with tasks that are too difficult to be solved by humans alone. This paper presents main concepts in design of a hybrid telematic system for cooperative rescue operations in cases of emergencies or catastrophes based on results of a user requirement analysis. A rescue squad of humans and tele-operated (semi)autonomous robots is expected to inspect selected spaces, rescue persons, etc. in emergency missions (e.g. fire, poisonous or infectious agent intoxication, etc.) and to interact with the environment. and collaborate in this mission one with another. Moreover, humans and robots in the field will cooperate with a telematic center in order to communicate and receive advices and assistance from the remote coordinator. The paper presents design concepts concerning system architecture, communication and data exchange between entities, user interface design, localization and cooperative planning.

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