US 6,016,385 AGranted

Real time remotely controlled robot

AssigneeFanu America Corp

InventorsAlbert G. Yee, Hadi A. Akeel

Life of this patent

Estimating the term…

Loading patent…

Abstract

A robot system including a robot, an operator control center and having a communication system connecting the robot and control center wherein an operator in the control center responds with natural movements to stimulus signals from the robot environment by issuing commands that control the robot. In one embodiment, the operator occupies a command chair with an exoskeletal arm that is secured to the "shoulder" (backrest) of the chair. The operator slides his hand into a glove of the invention attached to the end of the exoskeletal arm. He views the robot environment through a video screen and exerts control in response to views presented on the screen. The communication system sends signals to the operator glove in response to conditions at the robot site prompting the operator to take appropriate action.

Claims25

Dependent claims

A robot system which comprises:

a robot means, adapted for being located in a robot environment, for performing tasks in response to control signals received by said robot means;
said robot means including means for generating sensation signals responsive to said robot environment and robot control means for controlling said robot means;
command means adapted for being located in a command environment remote from said robot environment, for generating command signals responsive to a position and movement pattern of an operator;
communication means for receiving said command signals, converting said command signals to said control signals, and transmitting said control signals to said robot means to control said robot to substantially duplicate motion of said pattern;
said robot control means being receptive to said control signals;
said communication means including means for converting said sensation signals to sensation causing effects detectable by said operator.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.