Performance Evaluation of a Mobile Touchscreen Interface for Assistive Robotic Manipulators: A Pilot Study

This study evaluates the performance of a touchscreen interface compared to a joystick interface for controlling assistive robotic manipulators (ARMs). The goal is to improve the usability of ARMs for people with upper extremity impairments. Participants with upper extremity impairments were trained on both interfaces and then used one to perform tasks on the ARMET (ARM evaluation tool). The time to complete each task was recorded. The results showed that the touchscreen interface was generally preferred and resulted in faster task completion times compared to the joystick interface. The touchscreen interface was considered easier to learn and required less physical effort.

• 1
  Seven out of eight participants preferred the touchscreen interface over the joystick interface.
• 2
  The touchscreen interface resulted in enhanced ARMET performance, including higher mean moving speed and faster task completion.
• 3
  Participants reported that the touchscreen interface was easier to use and required less physical effort compared to the joystick.