Graphical model based control of intelligent robot systems

Experimental investigations of the application of intelligent robot control technology to the removal of radioactive waste stored in underground tanks are described, with particular attention to the computing and software control environment. Intelligent system control is achieved through the integration of extensive geometric and kinematic world models with real-time sensor-based control. All operator interactions with the system are through fully animated graphical representations that validate all operator commands before execution to provide for safe operation. Sensing is used to add information to the robot system's world model and to allow sensor-based servo control during selected operations. The results of a first test are reported, and the potential for applying advanced intelligent control concepts to this problem is discussed.<>