Physical access within confined spaces in limit spacecraft is the ability of teleoperated manipulators/robots operators to observe work activities. Viewing is often obscured at the end effector work envelope due to the relative inflexibility of positioning closed circuit TV cameras and lighting on the robot. This Phase I project will assess the feasibility of and develop a preliminary design for a remotely operated interchangeable fiberoptic viewing system which can be incorporated into a manipulator's end effector for use with end-of-arm tooling or conducting remote inspection of internal structures. The system would employ an innovatively designed remotely engageable connector which would be attached to the manipulator's end effector. Manipulator mounted CCTV Cameras and lights would connect via coherent fiberoptic cables to the remote connector. A mating connector, fiberoptic cables, and a miniature lens system would be incorporated into task specific end-of-arm tooling for unobstructed, close-in operator viewing of a work task tool used with the manipulator. This concept allows interchangeable remote tools to have self contained remote viewing strategically integrated for optimal work efficiency and enhanced operator viewing.Commercial application would include deployment on underwater robotic vehicles, military remote systems, space platform manipulators, and nuclear facility remote/robotic systems.fiberoptic, remote, viewing, robotic, teleoperatedSTATUS: Phase I Only
