DASA Telexistence Phase 1

The challenge

To develop and demonstrate the components of a telexistence solution to the defence and security community via a Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) competition funded by the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl).

A telexistence capability can be defined as a system which allows a human user to operate in an environment without physically being there. The competition considered three components:

• Telepresence: a visual-audio solution which enable a human operator to experience the sensation of self-presence in a remote environment
• Haptic feedback: an immersive solution which transmits sensory information from the remote environment to the human operative
• Robotics: a manoeuvrable solution which enables a human operator to interact with the remote environment

Veolia's solution

Veolia Nuclear Solutions (VNS) existing Dexter™ haptic feedback, remotely controlled manipulator was the basis for this project. VNS engaged with project partners to produce a gap analysis to evaluate the capability of Dexter™ for defence and security applications, in particular a Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) use case. This concluded that the core haptic technology offered a game changing capability to EOD personnel with the potential to transform the complexity of operations that could be performed remotely. Key technical risks were identified and a roadmap produced for mitigating those risks.

The benefits of the Dexter™ are dexterity and sensitivity, adaptability, extreme environments suitability and ease of adoption (for example the supporting RETIINA software platform which provides a virtual representation of a site and accurately simulates Dexter™ interacting with this environment).

VNS collaborated with project partners to produce five user-led EOD scenarios for demonstrating the haptic feedback capabilities of Dexter™, particularly dexterity, grip and positioning. The five tasks were:

• High Reach (grip a secured tape measure and extend it upwards)
• Delicate (open a Peli case and perform task on circuit board inside)
• Positioning (manoeuvre a mock munition into place, position an X-ray and X-ray unit to simulate an X-ray of the munition)
• Interacting with Complex Objects Task 1 (Open locked door)
• Interacting with Complex Objects Task 2 (Open car glove box)

The project was delivered successfully according to the budget and timeline requested by the client.