Patent ID: 8483879

Claim:
A robotic system comprising: a robot incorporating powered elements, the robot being adapted for moving a payload using the powered elements during an operation in proportional response to an input force from a human operator; an operator-robot interface incorporating a pair of handle bars and a plurality of sensors which collectively measure a predetermined set of operator input values, wherein the plurality of sensors includes a pair of sensors each positioned on a respective one of the handlebars and configured to measure the input force; and a controller that is responsive to the input force and configured to actuate the powered elements by measuring a baseline stiffness value of the human operator as a minimum, equilibrium, or relaxed stiffness value, and calculating a change in the baseline stiffness value of the human operator during the operation using the set of operator input values; wherein the controller automatically adjusts a level of control sensitivity over the robot using the change in the baseline stiffness value of the human operator to thereby optimize control stability.