*****  Computer Select, October 1994  : Articles *****

Journal:    The Wall Street Journal  August 23, 1994 pB1(W) pB1(E) col 3
           (20 col in)
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Title:     'Phantom' simulates wielding a scalpel, tossing a ball.
             (Massachusetts Institute of Technology's robot with virtual
             touch)
Author:    Stipp, David


Abstract:  Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) graduate student
           Thomas Massie invented the $19,500 Phantom which is a small
           robot arm with virtual reality characteristics. The device is
           heralded by scientists as an engineering marvel because of its
           low cost, and ability to provide users with tactile feedback
           when their fingers move. Similar devices cost $200,000 or
           more. The tactile information is controlled by using a PC to
           change the amount of resistance available to the finger wells
           in the robotic arms. Robotics experts believe automobile
           engineers could use the tool to design cars from virtual
           blocks of clay, and brain surgeons could learn to operate on
           virtual patients instead of using real patients. Massie is now
           working on Phantom II, which he hopes to offer as a consumer
           product.
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Topic:     Massachusetts Institute of Technology
           Inventions
           Patent
           Virtual Reality Device
           Robot arms


Record#:   16 204 432
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