Abstract
In the main, the current control method for underwater manipulators involves a master-slave robot configuration combined with visual feedback provided by closed-circuit TV from a number of ROV mounted cameras. In order to overcome the various drawbacks of this system, a new method of both control and feedback, utilising simulation software developed for off-line programming, is currently under development at Cranfield. This paper describes these new methods, and summarises the need for them and their inherent advantages over current technology. It also includes a description of thefirst stages of their development and the evaluation experiments which were used to judge the feasibility of the continuance of the project.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
