NASA Utilizes Kinect and Ocolus Rift to Control Robotic Arm!

[VinWarrior]

 

Researchers at NASA's Jet Propulusion Laboratory are experimenting with robots using the Xbox One Kinect sensor and Oculus Rift.

 

The team has been using the gaming technology to take control of a robotic arm called JACO in real time. According to NASA, the way it works is by combining the position tracking from Microsoft's Kinect and the rotational tracking of the Oculus to create a first-person view for their operator. Once the operator is set, he can then perform simple tasks like picking up blocks.

 

 

If the tests prove successful, future applications could include using the technology on the Robonaut 2 humanoid on the International Space Station.

 

This isn't the first time NASA has used gaming technology. Earlier in 2013, the Jet Propulsion Laboratory used an Ocolus Rift paired up with an Omni Treadmill to recreate what it's like walking on the surface of Mars.

 

Source: IGN

Edited January 2, 2014 by Edward Kenway

[Buns]

Even more proof that the Xbox One Kinect is actually useful. 

[The Stig]

I'm sure Its great as a developer/creator to come up with a concept, watch it grow and evolve, and then watch it get used for incredible tasks that you never dreamed it would be used for, and make breakthroughs and innovation, and benefit all of mankind.

[ShockGazm]

The only thing Kinect is useful for.

[BeckoningZebra1]

Awesome, great find Omega

 

Now if NASA would show some love back