<title>Teleoperated inspection robots for space and Earth applications</title>

Abstract

For planetary surface operations, the European Space Agency initiated a development for teleoperated mini-rovers. Remote control functions related to autonomous reaction capabilities and sensor data processing on-board the vehicle exhibit interesting transfer potential to industrial and educational teleoperation tasks. Similar requirements to the space application arise in particular, when low cost communication links are used for teleservicing. This paper reviews the operational concept for the Mars rover and its operations test environment. The technology transfer to terrestrial teleservicing applications is analyzed, regarding remotely controlled equipment or robots. This is illustrated at the example of pipe inspection robots, industrial transport robots and virtual laboratories for educational purposes.