Generic Control Station

Ground based robots have seen a surge in use since the rapid development in the field of unmanned systems that began within the last two decades. Robotics developers have brought numerous options to market designed for a variety of tasks. One of the most successful types of task specific unmanned vehicles are ground robots. The myriad options offer users the ability to select systems best suited for their intended use and operating environment. A shortfall in early unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) development, however, is the use of system specific control stations. Utilizing multiple types of robotic platforms once meant an equal amount of differing control interfaces, each potentially greatly different from the other. This, in turn, increases the training and skill required to employ various unmanned systems. A relatively recent trend in the field of unmanned systems in general is standardizing human-machine interfaces with generic controllers capable of being used on multiple type platforms. One such device has been developed by Roboteam, an Israeli producer of tactical ground robotics systems.

The Ruggedized Operator Control Unit - 7” Screen (ROCU^®-7), seen in the figure below,  was designed as a generic, hand-held controller capable of acting as the human-machine interface for several unmanned systems (ROCU^®-7, 2017). With it, an operator is enabled to control several unmanned systems: land, air, or maritime. The handheld unit is designed to be simple and intuitive, and the controls are derived from the videogame world (Eschel, 2012). Data gathered by the unmanned system, as well as system operation information, is presented to the operator via a high definition video display. Video is streamed in real time to the control unit. A unique feature, though, is the use of a secure digital datalink based on commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) elements facilitating fully encrypted, COMSEC protected two-way datalink, with efficient spectrum utilization enabling multi-platform operations (Eschel, 2012). 

Figure. ROCU®-7  common controller image as published on Roboteam website. Retrieved from http://www.robo-team.com/products/rocu-7/#s-3

Per the published system specifications, seen in the table below, the operating system was initially intended to be Windows 7 Pro 32bit or 64bit and the processor is an Intel Atom 1.91 GHz (ROCU^®-7, 2017). The use of a common operating system maximizes the likelihood of compatibility. Additionally, the user interface incorporates 2 joysticks, 8 hard buttons, 4 rockers, 3.5mm audio in/out, and radio communication and GPS antenna jacks. The high-definition display screen is also sunlight readable, night vision imaging system (NVIS) compatible, and resistive touch capable (ROCU^®-7, 2017).

ROCU^®-7  Specifications

Dimensions (L x W x H):

(L x W x H) 11.8 x 6.7 x 2.9 in (30.5 x 17.5 x 7.3 cm)

Weight:

Without battery: 3.9 lbs (1.76 kg) / with battery: 5 lbs (2.3 kg)

Military Standard:

Ruggedized, IP65

Operating System:

Windows 7 Pro 32bit or 64bit

Internal Memory:

64GB/128GB Fast SSD

CPU and RAM:

Intel Atom 1.91 GHz Quad Core with 4GB RAM

Screen:

7”, 1024 x 600, Resistive touch screen, Sunlight readable, NVIS compatible

Power Supply:

BB2557/BB2590 Mil. STD., 24V Roboteam battery or any 8-40V power input (Wired/Battery Pack)

Working Time:

3-6 Hours (operation mode dependent)

Interface:

USB 2.0, Ethernet RJ45, Audio in/out 3.5mm, 2 Joysticks, 8 Hard buttons, 4 Rockers, RP-TNC jack for

radio communication, SMA jack for GPS Antenna

Operational Temperature (MIL STD.):

-4℉ to 140℉ (-20℃ to 60℃)

Communication:

Digital encrypted communication (contact (Roboteam for more information)

GPS:

Internal

Note. ROCU^®-7 specifications as published by Roboteam. (ROCU®-7 Ruggedized Operator Control Unit - 7” Screen, 2017)

The level of flexibility designed into the ROCU^®-7 makes it a viable alternative for tactical users to limit the requirement for excess support equipment to utilize several different unmanned platforms. Just as with larger unmanned aerial systems, the benefits of employing generic control stations speak for themselves. The form and capability of ground, maritime, and air unmanned systems changes rapidly, but the field can benefit by standardizing the control interface when possible. The efforts of Roboteam, as displayed by the ROCU^®-7, are contributing to simplifying the way we employ these systems. 

References

Chuffart, V. (2015, June 9). The Iron A-Team: Unmanned Robots in Harsh Environments. Kontron. Retrieved from https://www.kontron.com/blog/embedded/roboteam-the-iron-a-team

Eshel, T. (2012, October 17). A Robot Team Stands Up to Fight IEDs. Defense Update. Retrieved from http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:eKT1RJXlMZgJ:defense-update.com/20121017_roboteam_introduces_new_tactical_mini_robots.html+&cd=7&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us

Micro Tactical Ground Robot (MTGR). (n.d.). Combating Terrorism Technical Support Office. Retrieved from https://www.cttso.gov/?q=MTGR

ROCU^®-7 - Integrated, Highly Intuitive & Secure Wireless Common Controller. (2017). Roboteam. Retrieved from http://www.robo-team.com/products/rocu-7/#s-0

ROCU^®-7 Ruggedized Operator Control Unit - 7” Screen. (n.d.). Roboteam. Retrieved from http://www.robo-team.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/ROCU7_Web_2017_1.pdf