TeleSpider: developing virtual interfaces for tele-operation and locomotion

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The goal of the "TeleSpider" project is to design and implement a telepresence system where users can remotely operate a robotic spider-like device, giving individuals the ability to safely explore remote, hard-to-reach, or potentially hazardous areas or situations (e.g., ventilation shafts, chemical spills, collapsed buildings). The TeleSpider will, therefore, be able to perform remote surveillance tasks in place of humans in dangerous or inaccessible locations. Future developments include the potential for the TeleSpider to conduct problem solving tasks and assist in rescue operations. The TeleSpider hardware is currently being developed by Archiact Interactive, a virtual reality, mobile development and games company in Vancouver, B.C. Archiact Interactive has identified the need for a remote locomotion interface control system but does not have the expertise to develop this system in-house. The control system must allow a human operator to control the TeleSpider's movement in a refined and intuitive manner, and show the three-dimensional perspective of the TeleSpider's stereo vision to the operator without causing motion sickness or disorientation. In the proposed project, Archiact Interactive will collaborate with interface and virtual reality experts at SFU to design and evaluate an interface that enables users to intuitively navigate and complete basic surveillance tasks with the TeleSpider. The anticipated value of developing the TeleSpider extends not only to protecting the health and safety of Canadian workers who interact with hazardous or problematic spaces, but also enables Archiact Interactive to innovate in virtual telepresence research for wide-ranging applications in virtual reality, games, entertainment and mechatronics.