I. Goodhew

Bi-directional human machine interface via direct neural connection

This paper presents an application study into the use of a bi-directional link with the human nervous system by means of an implant, positioned through neurosurgery. Various applications are described including the interaction of neural signals with an articulated hand, a group of cooperative autonomous robots and to control the movement of a mobile platform. The microelectrode array implant itself is described in detail. Consideration is given to a wider range of possible robot mechanisms, which could interact with the human nervous system through the same technique.

An attempt to extend human sensory capabilities by means of implant technology

In this paper an attempt is described to increase the range of human sensory capabilities by means of implant technology. The key aim is to create an additional sense by feeding signals directly to the human brain, via the nervous system rather than via a presently operable human sense. Neural implant technology was used to directly interface a human nervous system with a computer in a one off trial. The output from active ultrasonic sensors was then employed to directly stimulate the human nervous system. An experimental laboratory set up was used as a test bed to assess the usefulness of this sensory addition.

Control and experimentation of a personal robot tracking system

In this paper, the discussion is focused on the concept of a personal robot system, which is capable of tracking and following a human operator. A prototype robot has been designed and constructed to function externally within a human-centric environment, and this is introduced. The main features of its operation are described and some specific problem areas, due to the nature of the robot, are considered. In particular the robots method of tracking is given in detail, initially by considering the realistic options available before the final method was selected. Some important features of the robots construction are outlined, again with reference to alternatives available and reasons for the final selection. The method of tracking control employed by the robot thus far is discussed and an indication is given of future possible procedures, which could be tried. Finally, some experimental results are given, with a particular focus on the robots head tracking performance.