A Review of Robot Rescue Simulation Platforms for Robotics Education

This review explores a natural learning curve which gives an appropriate RoboCup Rescue challenge at the right age. Children who got involved in the age group 14+ should continue their learning experience until they reach graduate level. To reduce the cost of such a learning experience, simulation is an attractive option in a large part of the world. The realism of the simulations and challenges should increase step-by-step, which are supported by more powerful but also more complex interfaces at each level/age-group. The result is a natural learning curve which allows for life-long learning. In this paper, we detail the requirements for such a platform and review a number of different simulation platforms and accompanying interfaces focusing on suitability for use for education rescue robotics. Resulting from this review of simulation platforms, a case-study of an example ‘game field’ rescue simulation platform suitable for students at different points along the learning curve.