USE principles

The main focus will be on User and Enterprise. These USE principles will be based on the relevant design requirements for the final scenario. The configuration of the Freeduino based robots is based on these requirements and will be the keystone in the design process.

User

• Control: In case of an emergency the system must have te possibility to be shut down.
• Care: While the robots have interaction with people which are wounded and/or in critical condition. These people need to be handled with care. These people also need to be protected against further harm.
• Robustness: The robots have to be able to operate in destructed areas which means they have to be able to take a beating. Also if they are being operated from a distance there will be no means of repair.

Enterprise

• Simplicity: The beautiful thing about swarm technology is the fact that with a large number of simple robots something big can be achieved. The simpler the individual robot the cheaper the production of it, which makes it an intersting technology for companies to invest in.
• Flexibility: If the robots and software can be used for several scenarios and goals investment will be even more interesting. This means it is of high importance to create a universal software solution for robots which can be used in as much environments as possible. The Freeduino based robots take some of this into account by using track tires.
• Efficiency: The robots need to work efficiently. As area's need to be checked it is important the robots do not check the same twice and do not disturb one another. This also means the robots do not execute tasks which are not necessary which will in turn make sure the robots will last longer. A high efficiency can be achieved using good communication and efficient use of the sensors on each robot.

Requirement based configuration

Here the link between the configuration of the Freeduino based robots and the above mentioned requirements will be made:

Track tires

• Track tires will be used mainly to achieve the above mentioned requirement for users Robustness. Since track tires have a much higher stability due to a higher contact area and traction than ordinary tires, especially on rough terrain like in the scenario.
• Another reason why track tires have been chosen is to assure the enterprise requirement Flexibility. Since track tires have a higher adaptability to their terrain and therefor are more adaptable for a bigger range of scenarios, it is preferred to use track tires over ordinary tires.
• The last but not least reason for the track tires, is that due to the user requirement Care. Since these robots depict a larger and more advanced swarm (see scenario) who interact with possible wounded people, this is one of the most important requirements in the design process. Track tires will greatly increase stability when moving along an uneven terrain (like debris) and therefor will reduce any possible harm or distress to the users while being transferred from the disaster struck area.

Speed (actuator)

• One of the requirements for the actuator of the robots is the user requirement Care.

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