Development of an economical haptic stimulus device

Abstract

Human perception of haptic information is often complex and requires devices that are expensive and difficult to operate. We see increasing attention being given to finding simpler motions in haptic research to represent more complex haptic perception on the surface of the skin. Our research has indicated that lateral motions in multiple directions may provide sufficiently useful perception for information transfer. We present a design for an economical haptic stimulation device using off-the-shelf parts that are relatively easy to obtain and assemble. Our design was configured for lateral motion, but can be modified to deliver a variety of haptic stimulations. © 2011 Springer-Verlag.