Gaming controllers for research robots: controlling a humanoid robot using a WIIMOTE

In this article we describe the use of a standard game console joystick, namely the Nintendo Wiimote, for controlling a HOAP-2 humanoid robot. We give a short overview on the use of tangible user interfaces, followed by the description of the used game controller and the measurements of some of its characteristics. We show the ease of applicability of inexpensive and robust standard game controllers for direct translation between the user’s intent and the robot actions on a two-handed robot drumming task.