Results from Desert FLEAS III: Field Tests of EVA/Robotic Collaboration for Planetary Exploration

TitleResults from Desert FLEAS III: Field Tests of EVA/Robotic Collaboration for Planetary Exploration
Publication TypeConference Paper
Year of Publication2012
AuthorsAkin, D. L., S. Saripalli, K. Hodges, K. Young, M. DiCapua, K. Davis, and N. D'Amore
Conference Name42nd International Conference on Environmental Systems
Date Published15 - 19 July 201
PublisherAIAA
Conference LocationSan Diego, California
Abstract

Through the Lunar Advanced Science and Exploration Research (LASER) program, NASA has supported

an ongoing research program at the University of Maryland and Arizona State University on collaboration

between humans in extravehicular activity (EVA) and robotic systems performing scientific exploration of

planetary surfaces. These field tests have been named, with a nod to NASA’s longstanding series of Desert

Research and Technology Studies (RATS) tests, the Desert Field Lessons in Engineering And Science, or Desert

FLEAS. This paper presents the results of the third set of field tests in this program, which consisted of a full

week of field trials at SP Crater near Flagstaff, Arizona in June, 2012.

 

Trained field geologists from Arizona State University served as test subjects for series of field exploration

sorties. Each subject performed three similar sorties: one in shirtsleeves as a control; one in the MX-B pressure

suit simulator to replicate the restrictions of an actual EVA; and one in MX-B directly assisted by RAVEN,

including providing a ride for the suited test subjects to and from the science sites. Continual full-body biomechanics

data was collected by a conformal body suit worn under the liquid cooling garment, which incorporated

18 inertial measurement units which document the motions of all major body joints throughout the

sortie. Post-test subjective evaluations were collected based on the NASA task load index (TLX) protocol and

Cooper-Harper ratings, along with an evaluation of the scientific exploration performance (in terms of noted

observations, collected sample number and quality, and correct interpretation of data in real time) of the subject

in each of the operating modes. These tests were performed both in daylight and in darkness, using lighting

provided by the suits and the rover.

 

The 2012 Desert FLEAS tests sought to provide rigorous quantitative data on the benefits and limitations of

robotic augmentation of EVA for geological science data collection, including a statistically significant number

of trained geologist test subjects. Following the presentation of these results, the paper briefly outlines the

plans for the last two years of Desert FLEAS testing, which will focus on more extreme terrains, more advanced

robotic systems, and multi-person, multi-robot exploration teams.

Citation Key39