CorteX – Remote control of TARM

CorteX in action with the TARM at RACE

CorteX, RACE’s in-house robotics control platform, is built around a self-describing protocol which contains both the data in the system and supporting meta-data. The structure of the data is similar to that found in other robot control platforms, such as the Robotic Operating System (ROS). In RACE’s interoperable solution, however, this data is complemented with a combined architecture and inheritance type structure, allowing for interpretation and discovery of previously unknown systems.

CorteX focuses on five key design principles:

  • Reusability
  • Extensibility
  • Modularity
  • Standardisation
  • Integrated user interfaces

In addition, our new Operations Management System (OMS) software is a major upgrade to RACE’s existing system for managing and controlling the highly complex remote handling operations associated with facilities such as JET. This software will become a vital tool and encapsulates the knowledge and experience gained in more than 40,000 hours of JET remote handling operations.

Both CorteX and OMS form critical components of RACE’s Next Generation Remote Operations and Maintenance System (NG ROMS) – an ambitious upgrade programme that will deliver a fully integrated and remote-controlled robotics demonstration and test facility. Recently, operators were able to remotely control TARM and associated systems, from CorteX, which is a critical milestone and a key first step on the road to delivering the wider strategic NG ROMS vision. Watch a video of CorteX controlling TARM here.

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