Project Title:

Tactile Displays for Whole-Arm Manipulators

05.02-5042
912315
Tactile Displays for Whole-Arm Manipulators
Begej Corporation
5 Claret Ash Road
Littleton
CO
80127
Stefan
Begej
303-973-5042
JSC
NAS9-18704
083

05.02-5402
912315

Abstract:

Tactile Displays for Whole-Arm Manipulators
The use of tactile sensory data for the control of whole-arm manipulators (WAMs)
is hampered by a lack of suitable devices capable of providing tactile feedback to
the operator. The objective of Phase I is to address this problem by undertaking
the development of an innovative tactile display specifically designed for application
to WAM systems. The work scope includes the formulation of design specifications
for a WAM forearm display; performance of advanced development upon tactile display
technology previously developed at the firm; development of a thin, flexible matrix
in which the tactile display elements ("tixels") are to be embedded; fabrication
of a 5x12 tactile display array for a lower WAM forearm; fabrication of an advanced
display driver; assembly and testing of the display system; preparation of the final
report; and delivery of the WAM forearm tactile display prototype to the sponsor
for further evaluation. Phase II will deliver a complete tactile display system (upper
and lower forearms, chest, and stomach) to NASA in support of ongoing WAM programs.
Important markets are foreseen in industries involving remote manipulation of large
objects in toxic, pressurized, or thermally extreme environments, e.g., space operations;
handling of toxic chemical or biological materials; undersea mining or salvage operations;
hot-object handling during manufacturing operations; and operations in extreme cold-weather
regions.
whole-arm manipulators, tactile displays, tactile sensors, tactile telepresence,
telerobotics