Project Title:

Analysis of the Human Musculoskeletal System for Teleoperator System Design

05.02-0649
901331
Analysis of the Human Musculoskeletal System for Teleoperator System Design

Abstract:

Teleoperators are key components of future space exploration missions. As the use
of teleoperators and the length of time people operate them increases, it has become
necessary to evaluate the physiological and ergonomic parameters of the system. This
project addresses this need by modeling the human musculoskeletal (m-s) system. The
motion of the limbs and the muscle and joint reaction forces required to produce
the teleoperator motion and overcome its feedback forces are included. The model
will be used to establish and verify representations for physiological performance
degradation due to pain and exhaustion and to suggest optimal positions to extend
the operator's performance. Phase I of this project will be concerned with the development
of a general modeling procedure for the human m-s system and assess its application
in the evaluation of human performance of teleoperators.
This model would provide teleoperators with better ergonomic design and lower cost
of design, more effective designs of the work place for manual labor jobs, and improved
artificial joint designs.
biomechanics, musculoskeletal systems, robotics, teleoperators, telerobotics