So whats the point?

Helios has a vast array of applications in our modern world. In today's focus on automation, controlling a fleet of complex autonomous workers is not an unreasonable goal. The difficulty of doing so is centered around a few factors, namely cost and operator attention. Current vehicle control systems favor either highly specific individual control of complex vehicles, or immensely broad control over many vehicles. RTS-inspired control addresses this by providing an interface capable of specific individual control over a large quantity of complex vehicles just like the games that inspired Helios in the first place.

Has this been done before?

There have been multiple published attempts, with one in 2001 and a more modern one in 2007. (direct links to PDFs) Past systems have been successful however they are from over a decade ago. The norms of an RTS interface have become more apparent and the usability of said interfaces have improved utilizing UI/UX design. I believe using new technologies and existing paradigms, there can be a more modern and commercially applicable attempt.

Ten years ago the concept of a computer the size of a credit card came with an immense cost. Now I utilize Raspberry Pis and Arduinos in all of my vehicles for an amazingly low cost. Communication speeds over mobile and wireless networks have evolved to allow for a significant increase in throughput. Large data transfers can be done in real-time, updating data live using basic web development tools. Sensors like infrared time-of-flight and ultrasonic rangefinders are available online for less than the cost of a meal. The technologies and tools needed for this system are now cheap and readily available. It's time to take another shot.