Tele-operation of a mobile mining robot using a panoramic display: an exploration of operators sense of presence

The mining industry is interested in tele-operation systems to remove mining operators from hazardous or inconvenient environments without losing efficiency. The increased availability of high-speed wired and wireless data networks is promoting the use of immersive environments, but there is not enough evidence yet to support whether such environments significantly improve the field-tested performance of tele-operation systems or not. We are interested in investigating a mixed-presence, tele-operation scenario involving an offsite operator remotely operating a robot as well as an onsite operator co-located with the robot. These scenarios are common in industry, yet poorly researched. We have conducted a trial to explore the effects of immersion on operator spatial awareness, sense of presence and satisfaction, in a mixed presence tele-operation scenario. This paper presents the results of our trial using a panoramic display system that provides some level of immersion. The outcome of our work provides a first step in the exploration of cost effective technologies of potential value to the mining industry.