Effects of increasing autonomy on tele-operation performance

Tele-operation of robotic platforms has long suffered from the inability of the operator to effectively perform ancillary tasks while controlling the robot. Because of the focus required to perform tele-operation, the operator is limited in their ability to use the robot to improve their situational awareness, with tele-operation often becoming a detriment to their task rather than an enhancement. We present experimental results on the use of a tele-operated robotic system modified to include layered obstacle detection and avoidance routines and an open space planner. These algorithms help the operator shift their focus towards high-level tasks instead of low-level navigation. While experimental data shows that the increase in autonomy did not lead to a reduction in task completion time, obstacle collisions were reduced and has led to further investigation of cognitive load reduction during operation.