Neal A. Tanner

Medrobotics (United States), Stanford University

Papers

Total Citations

H-Index

About

Neal A. Tanner’s research lies at the intersection of teleoperation, haptics, and control theory, with a focus on improving the stability and transparency of robotic systems under communication delays. His most-cited work, “Practical limitations of wave variable controllers in teleoperation” (2005, 36 citations), critically examines wave variable controllers—a passivity-based method for stabilizing force-reflecting teleoperators over time-delayed networks. Tanner reveals key practical constraints, such as the trade-off between stability and performance, offering essential guidance for real-world implementations. In “Wave Haptics: Building Stiff Controllers from the Natural Motor Dynamics” (2007, 24 citations), he pioneers an alternative approach to haptic rendering by leveraging the natural electrical dynamics of DC motors, rather than masking them with current amplifiers. This work challenges conventional design, enabling stiffer, more responsive haptic interfaces without sacrificing stability. Though his citation counts reflect a focused, specialized audience, Tanner’s contributions are foundational for researchers grappling with delay-induced instability in teleoperation and haptic systems. His insights continue to inform the development of more robust, high-fidelity human-robot interaction technologies.