Applications include dexterous teleoperation, remotely operated vehicles, and heavy-lift teleoperation, for missions ranging from satellite servicing to trench digging.
Good design depends on understanding human capabilities and human-machine interactions.
In an evolving field like telerobotics, it is often necessary to perform empirical research to fill in gaps in the knowledge base. Research may investigate a range of topics, from cognitive issues like the role of attentional resources in experiencing subjective telepresence to psychomotor issues like hand acceleration bandwidth during aimed movements. In the figure at top right, an operator using the M-2 Servomanipulator prepares to use a ratchet wrench during an experiment. Human factors personnel support system design by helping to define human roles in robotic systems. Hierarchical diagrams are generated and computer-based simulations, such as the one at right, may be created to allow task manipulation and evaluation.