A team of engineers from POSTECH in South Korea has created new technology that could make working with robots in dangerous industrial environments much safer and easier.
Led by Professor Keehoon Kim and Ph.D. candidate Jaehyun Park from the Department of Mechanical Engineering, the team designed special touch-based (haptic) devices that help people control robots more accurately—even from a distance.
In places like factories and steel mills, robots are used more and more to handle risky or repetitive tasks. But some jobs still need a human’s skill and judgment.
The problem is that using robots can be tricky. Even small mistakes in robot operation can lead to accidents or damage.
That’s why the researchers developed two new haptic tools that let users “feel” what the robot is doing through their hands.
One of the devices is called POstick-KF, which stands for Kinesthetic Feedback. It lets the operator feel the exact force a robot applies when pushing or pulling something. This is especially useful for delicate tasks that need a gentle touch.
The second device, POstick-VF, offers what’s called visuo-tactile feedback—it combines visual cues with a sense of touch. This one is better for wider spaces and offers a more immersive experience, helping users stay focused and engaged.
Both devices are shaped like real tools that workers already know how to use. This means even people without much experience can start using them quickly.
Depending on the type of task and the operator’s experience, one device may be more suitable than the other.
To test how well these devices work, the researchers ran simulation experiments. They found that users performed tasks with greater precision and fewer accidents when using the new devices compared to older models.
The POstick-VF was especially good at helping users improve over time, making it not only a safer option but also a useful training tool.
The technology also includes advanced features like digital twins—a virtual copy of a real-world system—so users can practice and plan in a digital space before doing the real thing.
Augmented reality (AR) is also used to boost focus and help users feel more immersed in the task.
Professor Kim said the team hopes their invention will improve safety and reduce the workload for people working in high-risk environments. With this new kind of human-robot teamwork, complex and dangerous jobs might soon become much easier—and safer—to do.
https://youtu.be/DVGAafHqhWM
