This paper presents the development of the user interface for the Robovolc volcano exploration robot. The discussion examines the important issues, concepts that need to be considered and the lessons learnt during the overall development phase. The process by which the final user interface was developed is also described, examining the key stages and decisions that were made. Lastly, results of the final tests carried out on Mount Etna are also discussed.

This paper explains the background to the Robovolc volcano exploration robot and details the development of the autonomous navigation system.The treatment of the navigation system includes analysis of the volcanic terrain, description of the robot's sensors, the robot navigation drivers and explains the development of the navigation tactics and system structure.

ROBOVOLC is a new robotic system that has been designed to help scientists in the exploration of volcanoes. It is composed of three subsystems: a rover platform with six articulated and independently actuated wheels; a manipulator arm to collect rock samples, drop and pick up sensors and sample gas; and a pan‐tilt turret with a high resolution camera, video‐camera, infrared camera and a doppler radar for gas speed measurement. This paper contains a short description of the system, following an introduction to the problem and review of the state‐of‐the‐art. Finally, results from the first test campaign on Mount Etna during September 2002 are briefly described.

This paper examines the issues, concepts and lessons learnt during the development of the user interface for the Robovolc robot. The process by which the interface was developed is also described, examining the key stages and decisions that were made. Lastly, screen shots of the developed interface are shown and explained.