An operator interface for a robot-mounted, 3D camera system: Project Pioneer

The purpose of Project Pioneer is to develop an exploratory robot capable of creating a three-dimensional photo-realistic map of the inside of the damaged Chernobyl nuclear reactor, measure the environmental and radioactive conditions, and collect samples of concrete from the physical structure to determine its mechanical stability. This paper describes the virtual reality interface for Pioneer's three-dimensional mapping system. This interface addresses a wide variety of technical challenges, including several that are unique to the hostile Chernobyl environment.