Clare Vitti
BSc (Hons) Computer Science - A Wii Controlled Robotic Arm - Clare Vitti
Clare Vitti conducted an investigation into using the Nintendo Wii remote to control a robot arm for her final year project. This investigated whether the product has any potential as a future method of control for robots, as it offers several advantages which overcome the limitations of current game controllers.
These advantages include being wireless and using an intuitive and easy method of control. Two of the School of Science and Technology’s joystick-controlled robot arms were used for the project. A programme that matched inputs from the Wii remote to those of the traditional joystick controls was written.
As the Wii remote was used, a PC was tracking its movements. These were then replicated to control the robot arm.
The results suggested that the Wii remote does offer potential as a method of control for robotic systems in some applications. However, the Wii remote had difficulties in reliably controlling the robot arms for small, fine manipulation. It is anticipated that further work may be conducted as a result of this investigation, and a copy of the thesis given to the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL) who have shown an interest in the project findings.
These advantages include being wireless and using an intuitive and easy method of control. Two of the School of Science and Technology’s joystick-controlled robot arms were used for the project. A programme that matched inputs from the Wii remote to those of the traditional joystick controls was written.
As the Wii remote was used, a PC was tracking its movements. These were then replicated to control the robot arm.
The results suggested that the Wii remote does offer potential as a method of control for robotic systems in some applications. However, the Wii remote had difficulties in reliably controlling the robot arms for small, fine manipulation. It is anticipated that further work may be conducted as a result of this investigation, and a copy of the thesis given to the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL) who have shown an interest in the project findings.
