Haptics for Human-Machine Interaction at The Johns Hopkins University

The Haptic Exploration Laboratory at The Johns Hopkins University is currently exploring many problems related to haptics (force and tactile information) in human-machine systems. We divide our work into two main areas: virtual environments and robot-assisted manipulation systems. Our interest in virtual environments focuses on reality-based modeling, in which measurements of the static and dynamic properties of actual objects are taken in order to produce realistic virtual environments. Thus, we must develop methods for acquiring data from real objects and populating pre-defined models. We also seek to create systems that can provide active manipulation assistance to the operator through haptic, visual, and audio cues. These systems may be teleoperated systems, which allow human users to operate in environments that would normally be inaccessible due to hazards, distance, or scale. Alternatively, cooperative manipulation systems allow a user and a robot to share a tool, allowing the user to guide or override the robot directly if necessary. Haptics in human-machine systems can have many applications, such as undersea and space operations, training for pilots and surgeons, and manufacturing. We focus much of our work on medical applications.