HSL Seminar: Andrew Liu, Ph.D. (9 a.m., 4/17, 33-206)

 
 
"Why are Space Station Remote Manipulator System (SSRMS) Operations hard? A look at some human factors issues."

Andrew Liu, Ph.D.
Research Scientist
MIT Human Systems Laboratory

Abstract: Although the Space Station Remote Manipulator System (SSRMS) has been used successfully for many years to perform many difficult operations, it is a difficult task to perform efficiently and safely and requires considerable time to train and practice. Many operational difficulties have been reported during this time and this talk will examine some of the cognitive and perceptual issues that arise from the design of the system. For example, operators can have problems determining clearance from structure because the fixed camera locations generally do not provide “optimal” views of the work space. The camera views may also compound mental workload during the manipulation phases of the task because of their orientation relative to the frame of reference used for manipulation. I will review some of the basic concepts of ISS robotic  operations to illustrate these human factors issues and will provide a chance for the audience to try their hand at controlling a simulated robot arm using the HSL’s Robotic Workstation Simulator.