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Remote navigation of a mobile robot in an RFID-augmented environment

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Abstract

In the current article, we address the problem of constructing radiofrequency identification (RFID)-augmented environments for mobile robots and the issues related to creating user interfaces for efficient remote navigation with a mobile robot in such environments. First, we describe an RFID-based positioning and obstacle identification solution for remotely controlled mobile robots in indoor environments. In the robot system, an architecture specifically developed by the authors for remotely controlled robotic systems was tested in practice. Second, using the developed system, three techniques for displaying information about the position and movements of a remote robot to the user were compared. The experimental visualization techniques displayed the position of the robot on an indoor floor plan augmented with (1) a video view from a camera attached to the robot, (2) display of nearby obstacles (identified using RFID technology) on the floor plan, and (3) both features. In the experiment, test subjects controlled the mobile robot through predetermined routes as quickly as possible avoiding collisions. The results suggest that the developed RFID-based environment and the remote control system can be used for efficient control of mobile robots. The results from the comparison of the visualization techniques showed that the technique without a camera view (2) was the fastest, and the number of steering motions made was smallest using this technique, but it also had the highest need for physical human interventions. The technique with both additional features (3) was subjectively preferred by the users. The similarities and differences between the current results and those found in the literature are discussed.

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Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank Andries Lof and all the test subjects, who participated in this research, and everybody who has contributed to the development of the Locawe platform and the mobile robot system. This work was carried out within projects supported by EU Structural Funds, State Provincial Office of Oulu, Ylivieska Region, Ylivieska Town, and Pohjanmaan PPO.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. RFMedia Laboratory, CENTRIA Research and Development, Vierimaantie 5, 84100, Ylivieska, Finland

    Mika Luimula, Sakari Pieskä & Juha Alaspää

  2. RFMedia Laboratory, Oulu Southern Institute, University of Oulu, Vierimaantie 5, 84100, Ylivieska, Finland

    Kirsti Sääskilahti

  3. Institute of Human-Centered Technology, Tampere University of Technology, P.O.Box 589, 33101, Tampere, Finland

    Timo Partala

Authors
  1. Mika Luimula
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  2. Kirsti Sääskilahti
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  3. Timo Partala
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  4. Sakari Pieskä
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  5. Juha Alaspää
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Correspondence to Mika Luimula.

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Luimula, M., Sääskilahti, K., Partala, T. et al. Remote navigation of a mobile robot in an RFID-augmented environment. Pers Ubiquit Comput 14, 125–136 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00779-009-0238-3

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