Design and implementation of user-friendly remote controllers for rescue robots used at fire sites

Many robotic applications have been developed for rescue operations during disasters; these applications involve the use of different types of robots such as fire-fighting robots, rescue robots, and surveillance robots. In this paper, we propose two novel wireless remote controllers that not only offer a user-friendly operating interface but also enable easy control of a robot. The handheld controller can be easily carried by fire-fighters and the joystick-based controller allows more accurate and rapid control for specific tasks in emergency situations. Both controllers are designed to gather situational information such as video feed and temperature and gas concentration data. We analyze the efficiency of the two controllers by carrying out a performance evaluation. To determine the usefulness of these controllers to firefighters, a questionnaire survey was conducted. Based on the opinions of firefighters, we suggest scenarios in which both controllers may be applicable at expected fire sites.