Virtual Slave

Remote handling, meaning operating a robotic tool from a distance, can be trickier than it seems. While a prototype can be very promising, working with it in real life conditions may prove to be more difficult than expected. Often it turns out that robot arms do not have enough degrees of freedom to move freely, which may make it impossible to reach certain spots. Another problem often found is that the robot arm weighs a lot, which makes it difficult to maneuver and control.

The Virtual Slave System can make the controller check all these possible difficulties before actually fabricating the arm, when it is still in the design phase, for example. The hardware can be linked to simulation software in which virtual tasks can be executed, while making the experience for the controller feel completely lifelike. The master of the so called master-slave connection can actually feel the touch, friction and the weight that the robot arm is putting on the virtual object. This software is called the Virtual Slave.

Not only can this software be used to check robot arms during the development phase, but it can also be used to train operators after the development is complete.