A case study of 3D stereoscopic vs. 2D monoscopic tele-reality in real-time dexterous teleoperation

This paper reports a case study of using single 3D stereoscopic visual feedback for real-time teleoperation of dexterous tasks. In traditional teleoperation systems, real-time visual feedbacks of multiple monoscopic views of the robot workspace are provided for remote operator. However, it is difficult for the operator to control remote robot to perform dexterous tasks by looking at multiple video feedbacks at the same time. During teleoperation, remote operators usually find multiple 2D visual feedbacks confusing, especially when performing dexterous tasks that require accurate positioning and orientating of robot end-effectors. In this paper, we propose to provide single real-time 3D stereoscopic visual feedback for remote operators so that they perceive remote robot workspace with the sense of depth. This sense of 3D empowers remote operators to accurately position and orient robot end-effector with confidence. Experiments have been conducted to reveal the usefulness of real-time 3D stereoscopic video feedback over multiple monoscopic video feedback in real-time teleoperation.