Research Issues in Teleoperator Systems

This paper briefly describes the Naval Ocean Systems Center's newly initiated program in teleoperator technology, as well as prior research conducted by our perceptual sciences group. The general objective of this program is to provide the technology base required to produce tele-operator systems which will be capable of performing man-like tasks in areas too hazardous or too costly for human habitation. Our approach has been guided by the conviction that substantial improvements in remote task peformance result when operators are provided a heightened sense of “remote presence”. We have pursued the development of a generic anthropomorphic teleoperator which will employ tools, vehicles and systems that currently exist for human use. For several years, we have been engaged in a program of research aimed at developing a scientific understanding of the dynamic interactions which occur between the human operator and the sensors, controls and displays that constitute the viewing and manipulator systems of teleoperators. The results of our past and current research studies are briefly described, along with a program plan for increasing understanding of man's role in teleoperator technology.