A Standard of Visualization Abstraction for Human-Robot Interfaces

The research objective is to create map-based displays that support robot operators working across a variety of paradigms. It has been shown that using an algorithm that abstracts the information presented in a map-based display can ease the cognitive demands and lessen the perceived workload of a single operator when supervising teams of multiple robots with high levels of autonomy. The same visual abstraction principles can be extended to support human operators that require more direct human control and provide similar cognitive benefits by reducing the difficulty of controlling less autonomous robots. Further, if the conventions of the visual abstraction algorithm can be shown to be effective for robot operators working with a broad range of robotic systems, an important step will be made towards creating a common operating standard for robotic system user interfaces.

A map-based display can ease the cognitive demands and lessen the perceived workload of a single robot operator when supervising teams of multiple robots with high levels of autonomy. The same visual abstraction principles can be extended to support human operators. This work also could represent an important step towards creating a common operating standard for robotic system user interfaces

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 3) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.