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The integration of contactless static pose recognition and dynamic hand motion tracking control system for industrial human and robot collaboration

Gilbert Tang (Centre for Advanced Systems, School of Aerospace, Transport and Manufacturing, Cranfield University, Cranfield, UK)
Seemal Asif (Centre for Advanced Systems, School of Aerospace, Transport and Manufacturing, Cranfield University, Cranfield, UK)
Phil Webb (Centre for Advanced Systems, School of Aerospace, Transport and Manufacturing, Cranfield University, Cranfield, UK)

Industrial Robot

ISSN: 0143-991x

Article publication date: 17 August 2015

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the integration of a gesture control system for industrial collaborative robot. Human and robot collaborative systems can be a viable manufacturing solution, but efficient control and communication are required for operations to be carried out effectively and safely.

Design/methodology/approach

The integrated system consists of facial recognition, static pose recognition and dynamic hand motion tracking. Each sub-system has been tested in isolation before integration and demonstration of a sample task.

Findings

It is demonstrated that the combination of multiple gesture control methods can increase its potential applications for industrial robots.

Originality/value

The novelty of the system is the combination of a dual gesture controls method which allows operators to command an industrial robot by posing hand gestures as well as control the robot motion by moving one of their hands in front of the sensor. A facial verification system is integrated to improve the robustness, reliability and security of the control system which also allows assignment of permission levels to different users.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank John Thrower, Technical Officer in Cranfield University, for his technical input and support. This work was funded by the EPSRC Centre for Innovative Manufacturing in Intelligent Automation under the grant reference number EP/1033467/1.

Citation

Tang, G., Asif, S. and Webb, P. (2015), "The integration of contactless static pose recognition and dynamic hand motion tracking control system for industrial human and robot collaboration", Industrial Robot, Vol. 42 No. 5, pp. 416-428. https://doi.org/10.1108/IR-03-2015-0059

Publisher

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Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2015, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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