The next challenge to interoperability? A first look at robotic system wireless interoperability in emergency response

System interoperability enables public safety agencies to communicate and share information. Past failures have demonstrated that systems of different agencies are not inherently interoperable. Therefore, as efforts continue toward the resolutions of these problems, it is incumbent on technology developers to assess the interoperability of new systems. Robotic systems can offer new capabilities to public safety personnel; however, these systems also include new communication technology to share and distribute information. Research has been initiated to examine the interoperability of public safety robotic systems. Definitions for robotic communication interoperability types are introduced.