Remote operation and assistance in human robot interactions with vibrotactile feedback

Abstract

This paper investigates intuitiveness in human robot interactions with focus on remote operation and assistance. The increasing number of robot applications in small volume production requires new techniques to ease the use of these sophisticated systems. A vibrotactile device was used for experiments. Vibration patterns are developed to represent a cognitive information channel for the remote operator. Most of the patterns are based on natural sensations, e.g. the feedback of gripping an object is slight vibration on the index finger and the thumb. Usability test results are presented. Intuitiveness of the vibrotactile feedback is confirmed in remote operation but the solution can be used in shop floor situations as well.