Virtual reality for improved human-computer interaction in robotics and medicine

This paper describes a new technology for human-computer interaction, known as Virtual Reality. The paper illustrates the potential of this new technology with the summary of recent development work at the Fraunhofer-Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation, which has made possible the use of Virtual Reality for the off-line programming and remote operation of industrial robots. The paper goes on to indicate how experience gained in engineering applications can provide significant benefits in medicine.