Discoveries from integrating robots into SWAT team training exercises

This research discusses the results of two field evaluations associated with the integration of a ground robot within SWAT team operations. The results indicate that officers preferred having the robot in a Point (first man in) role to having the robot located in the Rear-Guard (last man in) role. The results indicate that the officers reported the robot to be more appealing, trustworthy, cooperative, and helpful in the Point role. They also expressed that they felt less stressed and pressured when the robot was in this role versus having the robot following the team. The robot serving in the Point role was viewed as more integrated with the team and the team liked the robot more than when it was in the Rear-Guard role. The survey results indicate that there were no differences in responses when comparing two different ground robots in the Point role; however during debriefing discussions and from anecdotal comments made by SWAT team officers, a strong preference was expressed for the more rugged, reliable, slower paced Husky A200 robot.