Sensors, Controls, and Man-Machine Interface for Advanced Teleoperation

Some advances have been made in teleoperator technology through the introduction of various sensors, computers, automation, and new man-machine interface devices and techniques for remote manipulator control. The development of dexterous articulated mechanisms, smart sensors, flexible computer controls, intelligent man-machine interfaces, and innovative system designs for advanced teleoperation is, however, far from complete, and poses many interdisciplinary challenges. This article summarizes the state of the art, gives a brief outline of the basic problems, and presents the results of teleoperator research and development at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory.