Development of a Wearable Embedded System providing Tactile and Kinesthetic Haptics Feedback for 3D Interactive Applications

Abstract

Existing haptic interfaces providing both tactile and kinesthetic feedback for virtual object manipulation are still bulky, expensive and often grounded, limiting users’ motion. In this work, we present a wearable, lightweight and affordable embedded system aiming to provide both tactile and kinesthetic feedback in 3D applications. We created a PCB for the circuitry and used inexpensive components. The kinesthetic feedback is provided to the user’s hand through a 3D-printed exoskeleton and five servo motors placed on the back of the glove. Tactile feedback is provided to the user’s hand through fifteen coin vibration motors, placed in the inner side of the hand and vibrating at three levels. The system is ideal for prototyping and could be customized, thus, making it scalable and upgradable.