Framework for Network Based Manufacturing Training Through Telehaptics
Use of force feedback, or haptics, has increased the realism of virtual reality simulation systems over the last few years. In this research we propose a framework for the communication of haptic sensation in a shared environment over the Internet for developing novel manufacturing training system. This framework allows re-experiencing the sensation at geographically remote location by transmitting the haptic information over a TCP/IP network. We call this Tele-haptics. Using Tele-haptics, we propose a system where we can capture skill sets commonly associated with complex tasks such a die and tool polishing and communicate this to trainee over the internet. The trainee, using a Phantom Haptic system, can experience the process of polishing based on the master’s input. The framework for haptic communication is experimentally evaluated. The results of the experimental evaluation suggest that it is possible to transmit and recreate haptic features such as geometry and force characteristics.