Real-time remote robotics-toward networked telexistence

Many people have longed to project themselves to a remote environment-one where they have the sensation of existing in a different place-while actually remaining where they are. Another dream involves amplifying human muscle power and sensing capabilities with machines while reserving human dexterity through a sensation of direct operation. Virtual reality must have the computer-generated environment or transmitted remote environment's essence of reality to effectively become reality for the user. One of the most promising technologies today is the integration of virtual reality and robotics on the network. The general concept is called networked robotics; in particular, we call it R/sup 3/. This Japanese national R&D scheme is moving toward the realization of mutual telexistence through various kinds of networks, including the Internet. The launch of the five-year MITI "Humanoid and Human Friendly Robotics" project in April 1998 takes the first step toward the realization of R/sup 3/.