Remote operation of robotics systems using WLAN- and CORBA-based architecture

Our work describes generic solutions for controlling various different robots through IEEE 802.11b Wireless LAN. Our goals have been to develop a remote-operating architecture for robots with different configurations of sensors and actuators, as well as, controlling multiple robots through a wireless network. Our earlier development work on network-distributed control architecture for mobile robots provides a suitable platform for remote operation. In CORBA based architecture, new sensors or actuators, and new automatic functionality are easy to append. In addition to functionality, we have been developing user interfaces that contain generally useful components for multiple purposes and a possibility to control different shapes of robots and multiple robots at the same time. As a basic idea, the user interface should always be easily customizable, platform portable and require only a minimum amount of installation packages.