Implementation of a 6-DOF Parallel Continuum Manipulator for Delivering Fingertip Tactile Cues

IEEE Trans Haptics. 2019 Jul-Sep;12(3):295-306. doi: 10.1109/TOH.2019.2920928. Epub 2019 Jun 5.

Abstract

Existing fingertip haptic devices can deliver different subsets of tactile cues in a compact package, but we have not yet seen a wearable six-degree-of-freedom (6-DOF) display. This paper presents the Fuppeteer (short for Fingertip Puppeteer), a device that is capable of controlling the position and orientation of a flat platform, such that any combination of normal and shear force can be delivered at any location on any human fingertip. We build on our previous work of designing a parallel continuum manipulator for fingertip haptics by presenting a motorized version in which six flexible Nitinol wires are actuated via independent roller mechanisms and proportional-derivative controllers. We evaluate the settling time and end-effector vibrations observed during system responses to step inputs. After creating a six-dimensional lookup table and adjusting simulated inputs using measured Jacobians, we show that the device can make contact with all parts of the fingertip with a mean error of 1.42 mm. Finally, we present results from a human-subject study. A total of 24 users discerned 9 evenly distributed contact locations with an average accuracy of 80.5%. Translational and rotational shear cues were identified reasonably well near the center of the fingertip and more poorly around the edges.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Biomechanical Phenomena
  • Cues*
  • Equipment Design
  • Female
  • Fingers
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mechanical Phenomena
  • Physical Stimulation
  • Touch Perception*
  • Touch*
  • Wearable Electronic Devices*
  • Young Adult