Proprioceptive Equalization in Manual Control Cybernetics
S. Bhatia (TU Delft - Aerospace Engineering)
M. Mulder – Mentor (TU Delft - Aerospace Engineering)
M.M. van Paassen – Mentor (TU Delft - Aerospace Engineering)
J. Ellerbroek – Graduation committee member (TU Delft - Aerospace Engineering)
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Abstract
Pilot manual control behavior has traditionally been modeled using purely visually driven quasi-linear frameworks. The role of proprioception and manipulator feedback (force and position) in shaping pilot dynamics for equalization has been theorized in literature, however well-grounded models that check all boxes remain elusive. This project investigated the feasibility of proprioceptive equalization utilizing a mechanical model of the neuromuscular system (NMS). Frequency domain analysis and root locus methods reveal that muscle spindle and tendon feedback may affect characteristics near the region of crossover, but cannot independently achieve the integrator-like open-loop characteristics required for effective equalization. A mixed equalization strategy based on combining force feedback with visual compensation is shown to be physiologically plausible and theoretically effective in reducing pilot effort. Qualitative comparison against experimental trends supports the conclusion that proprioception contributes to neuromuscular stabilization and performance enhancement; however, it could not conclusively prove the possibility of equalization.