Aerospace-grade Joystick (RJo)

Kontur-2-Joystick in operating configuration

As part of the Kontur-2 project, an aerospace-grade, force-reflecting joystick with two degrees of freedom was developed at the Institute of Robotics and Mechatronics.

Technical specifications

Maximum force on joystick handle:	15 N
Working range:	+/-20°
Degrees of freedom:	2
Interface:	Ethernet
Special features:	Ergonomic handle

Qualification tests

The following tests were performed to qualify the RJo for use on the ISS:

EMC (electromagnetic compatibility)
Electrical tests (Power consumption when switching on and in various operating modes)
Thermal tests
Structural tests (vibration, shock load)
Offgassing test (all materials used must meet the material requirements for offgassing on the ISS)
Flammability analysis (all materials used must meet the material requirements for flammability on the ISS)

Transport configuration and operating configuration

In order to protect the handle against mechanical stress during transport, a protective cap was developed that can also be used as an armrest during operation.

RJo - Bildergalerie

Kontur-2 Joystick RJo

Force-Feedback Joystick for the International Space Station ISS—developed in the project Kontur-2.
Astronauts onboard the ISS can telemanipulate robots on earth and are able to feel the resulting interaction forces from the robot on the ground.
This enables the sensitive manipulation despite the large distances.

Credit: DLR/Simon Schätzle (CC-BY 3.0).