Case Study
RAIN - The Matrix: Virtual Reality and Bimanual Haptic Robotics
the matrix is a one-of-a-kind custom built virtual reality and haptic robotic simulation system. It consists of two haptic devices that attach to the users finger tips, and allow natural grasps of virtual objects.
This device serves as a platform for ongoing research into sensorimotor optimisation of bimanual haptics, with applications in nuclear materials handling.
for more information please see this video.
Toia were involved in the project from the planning stages, where we provided advice on how to control the haptics devices, and set up the virtual environment.
We quickly added support for this custom robot to our simulator, which involved integrating support for a motion control card, and modelling the robots kinematics. Our broad range of existing hardware support allows us to add new devices like this rapidly.
When it came to visualisation and physical simulation, the team looked at the efforts involved in building greenfield software, including many months of delays whilst the basics are cobbled together, and decided on a better approach. The project licenced Toia's existing simulation IP, and this allowed them to start doing real work immediately, having working haptics simulations in days.
