This paper proposes an alternative approach to common
teleoperation methods found in search and rescue
(SAR) robots. Using a head mounted display (HMD) the
operator is capable of perceiving rectified images of the
robot world in 3-D, as transmitted by a pair of stereo cameras
onboard the robot. The HMD is also equipped with
an integrated head-tracker, which permits controlling the
robot motion in such a way that the cameras follow the
operator’s head movements, thus providing an immersive
sensation to him. We claim that this approach is a more
intuitive and less error prone teleoperation of the robot.
The proposed system was evaluated by a group of subjects,
and the results suggest that it may yield significant benefits
to the effectiveness of the SAR mission. In particular,
the user’s depth perception and situational awareness improved
significantly when using the HMD, and their performance
during a simulated SAR operation was also enhanced,
both in terms of operation time and on successful
identification of objects of interest.