Visual and Haptic Perception of Surface Materials for Direct Skin Contact in Human–Machine Interaction

Abstract

Due to the high demand for technical support systems to preserve the personal mobility of elderly people, this study evaluates the visual and haptic perception of ten materials for direct skin contact of the forearm in human--machine interaction. The expectations and requirements of 48 subjects are analyzed for different age groups and correlations between the different sensory stimuli are investigated. Results are recommendations for so far less common materials that have achieved a high level of acceptance as well as evidence for difficulties in the merely visual presentation of new products and materials.