Biblio

Haptic communications and 5G networks in conjunction with AI and robotics will augment the human user experience by enabling real-time task performance via the control of objects remotely. This represents a paradigm shift from content delivery-based networks to task-oriented networks for remote skill set delivery. The transmission of user skill sets in remote task performance marks the advent of a haptic-enabled Internet of Skills (IoS), through which the transmission of touch and actuation sensations will be possible. In this proposed research, a conceptual Task-Technology Fit (TTF) model of a haptic-enabled IoS is developed to link human users and haptic-enabled technologies to technology use and task performance between master (control) and remote (controlled) domains to provide a Quality of Experience (QoE) and Quality of Task (QoT) oriented perspective of a Haptic Internet. Future 5G-enabled applications promise the high availability, security, fast reaction speeds, and reliability characteristics required for the transmission of human user skills over large geographical distances. The 5G network and haptic-enabled IoS considered in this research will support a number of critical applications. One such novel scenario in which a TTF of a Haptic Internet can be modelled is the use case of remote-controlled Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). This paper is a contribution towards the realization of a 5G network and haptic-enabled QoE-QoT-centric IoS for augmented user task performance. Future empirical results of this research will be useful to understanding the role that varying degrees of a fit between context-specific task and technology characteristics play in influencing the impact of haptic-enabled technology use for real-time immersive remote UAV (drone) control task performance.