A robot simulator classification system for HRI

This paper presents a classification system for computer-based robot simulators that is based on the FAA guidelines for aircraft simulators. Low fidelity computer simulation has been used extensively for testing artificial intelligence and control algorithms for robotic systems. Until recently operator training using simulators has been impractical due to the cost of the computer systems necessary to simulate robot operation with high fidelity. The rapid increase in the power of desktop computers over the last decade has led to cheap, high fidelity vehicle simulation. A review of the literature shows that there are many robot simulators in use with a variety of features and fidelity levels. There has been no prior work attempting to classify the functionality of these robot simulators.