The Role of Haptics in Service Manual Task Validation

Abstract : The primary objective of this research was to explore the role and feasibility of using haptics simulation for validating aircraft Service Maintenance Manual instructions. A task taxonomy was developed to facilitate understanding specific haptic simulation benefits, experiment designs, errors, and limitations. Alternative simulation approaches were investigated that might be used in combination with, substitution for, or augmentation of haptics to provide more realistic haptic action simulations. in general, haptic feedback for maintenance tasks requiring strength or constrained body configurations is strongly limited by present equipment capabilities. Manipulations requiring low force precision hand movements are somewhat better served by haptic feedback. A demonstration system explores haptic interaction with finger force feedback and hand force and torque feedback. Further research could be conducted to empirically test user abilities with haptic feedback against both non-haptic and actual physical manipulation. Recommendations may be used to guide or further focus efforts in the Service Manual Generation program and related efforts.