Computing Architecture For Telerobots In Earth Orbit

Abstract

Based on generic operational and computational requirements associated with the control of telerobots in Earth orbit, a multibus-based distributed but integrated computing architecture is proposed. An experimental system of that kind under development at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) is briefly described. It uses Intel Multibus I at both control station and remote robot (telerobot) computing nodes. NS32000 series CPU boards constitute the processing elements of each node. An essential element within each multibus is a Unified (or Universal) Computer Control Subsystem (UCCS) for telerobot and control station motor components. The two multibus-based computing nodes can be linked by parallel or high speed serial links for real-time data transmission and for closing the real-time bilateral (force-reflecting) control loop between telerobot and control station. The experimental system is briefly commented, followed by a brief discussion of future development plans and possibilities.© (1987) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.