Nov 29 2010
Paolo Robuffo Giordano and his research team at the Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics, Germany, have developed a flexible RoboCoaster industrial robotic arm, which is specially designed to enable testers to experience the F1 Ferrari drive.
Robotic CyberMotion Simulator
The research team utilizes CyberMotion to ascertain how human beings recognize and respond to motion. Giordano has stated that they had considered the method of driving down a zigzag course and the impact of obstacles on the driving.
A test driver sits inside a cabin, which is around 2m from the ground surface. The CyberMotion simulator is controlled by means of an accelerator, steering wheel and brake. The testers can experience 2G accelerations offered by the simulator and a three dimensional view of the entire circuit is demonstrated in its display. The six -axis robotic arm mimics the bends and twirls on the race track and it can even upturn the subjects.
Although the simulator concept is already established, this CyberMotion Simulator is the first one connected to a robotic arm. The research team had showcased a robotic arm operating a helicopter simulator at the Berlin Air Show and this simulator is likely to be produced commercially.
Source: http://www.kyb.mpg.de