APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING AN ADJUSTABLE POSITIVE STOP IN SPACE

摘要

A method and apparatus for constraining motion of an end-effector in space. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a mechanical positioner and first and second stops. The first and second stops are controllable by a drive mechanism to constrain movement of the mechanical positioner and thereby to constrain the ability of a user to manipulate an end-effector outside a predetermined range of motion. The first and second stops are further controllable by the drive mechanism to permit movement of the end-effector within the predetermined range of motion.