Multisensory shared autonomy and tele-sensor-programming-Key issues in the space robot technology experiment ROTEX

Abstract

Outlines key technologies in the approach of the author's research establishment to space robotics. Based on multisensory gripper technology, local on-board sensory feedback, and predictive graphic simulation (with emphasis on sensory simulation) a tele-sensor programming concept is introduced that allows sensor-based teleoperation in spite of large signal delays as well as sensor-based off-line programming following a "learning by showing" concept. A small multisensory robot based on these concepts has flown in space with a ten-day Space Shuttle mission. This robot technology experiment ROTEX was very successful and showed that, with these sensor-based concepts, even present-day space robots can perform different prototype tasks in a variety of operational modes, including automatic (reprogrammable) operation, and on-board teleoperation using human and/or machine intelligence.