【正文】
Use of Voice Recognition for Control of a Robotic Welding Workcell ABSTRACT: This paper describes work underway to evaluate the effectiveness of voice recognition systems as an element in the control of a robotic welding workcell. Factors being considered for control include program editor access security,Preoperation checklist requirements, welding process variable control,and robot manipulator motion overrides. In the latter two categories, manual vocal control is being pared against manual tactile control and fully automatic control in terms of speed of response, accuracy, stability, reliability. And safety. Introduction Voice recognition technology is now recognized as a potential means for easing the workload of operators of plex systems. Numerous applications have already been implemented, are in various stages of development, or are under consideration. These include data entry,control of aircraft systems, and voice identification and verification for security purposes. Voice control has also been proposed for use aboard the space station. One prime area for application would be control of some functions of robots used for intraand extravehicular inspection, assembly, repair,satellite retrieval, and satellite maintenance when a crewmember is serving in a supervisory capacity or the system is operating in a teleoperation mode. Voice control of sensors and process variables would free the crewmember’s hands for other tasks, such as direct control or override of the manipulator motion. Similarly, the workload associated with control of many onboard experiments could be eased through the use of this technology. This paper describes the application of voice recognition for control of a robotic welding workcell. This is a plex system involving inputs from multiple sensors and control of a wide variety of robot manipulator motions and process variables. While many functions are automated, a human operator serves in a supervisory capacity, ready to override functions when necessary. In the present investigation, a mercially available voice recognition system is being integrated with a robotic welding workcell at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center, which is used as a test bed for evaluation and development of advanced technologies for use in fabrication of the Space Shuttle Main Engine. In the system under development, some functions do not yet have automatic closedloop control, thus requiring continuous monitoring and realtime adjustment by the human operator. Presently, these ovemdes are input to the system through tactile mands (。.e.. pushing buttons. turning knobs for potentiometers, or adjusting mechanical devices). Since the operator monitors the process primarily visually, he must either look away from the process to find the proper button or knob or rely on“muscular memory”much as a touchtypist does. In the first case, the time of response to a deviant condition may be excessive. In the second case, there is an increased probability of a secondary error being introduced by the operator. A voice recognition system could reduce the response time required from the probability of pushing the wrong button should similarly be reduced. Also, operator fatigue should be minimized. Since the operator can continuously monitor the process during override input, the effect of the change can be observed more quickly. Thus, if the desired value is exceeded and reverse correction is required, it should be acplished more quickly, allowing less overshoot. This reduction in oscillation about the