Scaled telemanipulation system using semi-autonomous task-oriented virtual tool

This paper proposes an alternative control algorithm for a scaled telemanipulation system based on a semi-autonomous task-oriented virtual tool. In the algorithm a telemanipulator is controlled so that it has a virtual tool dynamics. The virtual tool dynamics designed appropriately for a given task is to assist an operator as a tool and the operator executes the task easily with the tool. In addition, the motion and force relation between the master and the slave can be specified freely by using two scaling factors; a motion scaling factor and a force scaling factor. The stability of the resultant system is analyzed based on the passivity of the resultant system and the total stability is guaranteed for an operator and a passive environment with unknown dynamics. The proposed algorithm is experimentally applied to a telemanipulator. The experimental results illustrate the validity of the algorithm.