Controlling impedance at the man/machine interface

Recent work on the dynamics of interactions between humans and machined is reviewed. An experimental apparatus for simulating virtual environments and investigating the man/machine interface is described. Relevant experiments on the mechanical impedance of the human arm are reviewed. Despite active neuromuscular feedback control, the human arm exhibits the impedance of a passive object. Preliminary results of some experiments on the adaptability of human arm impedance are presented. These results indicate limitation in the rapidity of parameter adaptation in humans