VISTA - Vehicle Interface System for Telerobotic Applications

Vehicle Interface System for Telerobotic Applications  

Objective

To develop and integrate human-machine interface technologies that will allow an operator to control effectively and monitor the operation of telerobotic vehicle systems for industrial and military applications.

Deliverables

A head-tracking stereoscopic camera system, a coordinated arm control system, and a portable operator control station that, when integrated, will be demonstrated on a remotely operated excavator. The technologies being developed in this project incorporate results from both university and military research programs.

Technology & Benefits

Remotely controlled vehicles and equipment may be used in industrial and military applications to improve operator safety or functionality. To support remote operation, an operator requires an effective means both to control and to monitor the equipment. This will be achieved by developing and integrating the following systems:

• A head tracking camera system which allows the operator to direct the remote camera orientation. Stereoscopic cameras and displays provide depth perception, which is useful for manipulation and obstacle avoidance tasks;
  
• A coordinated arm control system which allows the operator to control a hydraulic arm through intuitive movements of a single joystick, simplifying operations where smooth movements are required; and
  
• A portable operator control station which provides a re-configurable control platform that can support the control of various remote vehicle functions, such as excavating, while displaying information from different sensors on the vehicle.

Participants

CORE Technologies Inc., Calgary, AB
Alberta Research Council, Edmonton, AB
Defence Research Establishment Suffield (DRES), Suffield, AB
University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC                 

Total Investment  $1,200,000      

Precarn Contribution  $500,000