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			About Vicarm


	Vicarm  manipulators are a product of  more than ten years of
research and development  at the artificial intelligence  projects of
Stanford  University and the  Massachusetts Institute  of Technology.
As a result  of this  ongoing effort,  they are  backed by  extensive
mechanical,   electronic  and   software   development   experience.   
Developed  specifically  as  a  computer  controlled  machine,  these
manipulators are  now finding  applications as  industrial tools  for
manufacture, inspection, assembly and maintainance.  

	Vicarm  manipulators are  versatile.   Besides  manipulators,
Vicarm  manufactures  a selection  of  force and  tactile  sensors to
enable sophisticated interactive manipulative tasks to  be performed.
With the  addition of a  video interface, even  visual feedback tasks
can be undertaken with these systems. 

	Vicarm manipulator systems are complete.  Vicarm can supply a
standard manipulator for interfacing to the  customers computer, or a
complete system  consisting of manipulator, terminal device, sensors,
computer interface, computer and programs can be supplied.  

	Vicarm manipulators and systems are designed and manufactured
at the  Vicarm facilities in  Mountain View, California.   Because we
have the  capability to manufacture almost all the components used in
our systems,  most parts  are  specifically designed  for  the
function  they perform.    Vicarm manipulator  systems  are carefully
thought out devices  with every  component optimized.   Our in  house
engineering, manufacturing,  and  assembly capability  enables us  to
produce a complete, integrated  system   including  manipulator,  computer,
software, and special accessories. 

	About our manipulators:

	Vicarm manipulators have  six independent (no  differentials)
degrees  of freedom.  Each  joint is  powered  by separate  permanent
magnet  d.c.  servo  motors  with  position  and  velocity  feedback.
Electromagnetic  brakes,  used  at  most  joints, operate  in
conjunction with the d.c. servo motors.  Because of the use of rotary
electric actuators, joint motions of over 300  degrees
with optional 600 degree  travel are obtainable.  Internal  drive and
large  external  structure  combine  to  provide  a stiff,  safe  and
environmentally resistant design.  

	About our computers:

	The Vicarm  manipulator system  is based  around the  Digital
Equipment  Corporation  PDP-11 series  of  computers.   These  are  a
thoroughly proved popular series of computers produced by the largest
maker of  minicomputers.    Years of  experience  with this  type  of
computer has resulted in extensive compatible hardware and software. 
Because of the general purpose machine nature of Vicarm manipulators,
they can  be interfaced  to other  brands of  computer with  relative
ease.   This  is an attractive  feature for  the firm with  their own
large  computer  facility.    Interfaces  between  a  Vicarm  control
computer  and a  larger central  or timeshared  computer can  also be
provided for  central planning and control of a manipulator, or where
several  manipulators are  working  either  separately  or  together.
Vicarm provides  its own electronics and interfaces  for its standard
system, or to match your existing system. 

	About our programs.