Sensory substitution is an easy, cost effective and mostly-preferred method to provide artificial sensory feedback to users of robotic prostheses. This sensory feedback, such as artificial proprioception, is provided through different sensory modalities, such as vibration, at different locations on the body. In this study, we propose a new methodology and an experimental setup, which are to be used to determine contribution of artificial proprioception feedback on coordinated manipulations. The setup consists of a novel haptic interface, an input device, a force sensor, and a virtual environment. Experiments were performed to technically evaluate the developed haptic interface. To further validate the interface, we conducted a psychophysical test in which subjects compared real and virtual springs with different stiffness constants. Results showed that the setup was able to successfully render the intended springs. The experimental methodology is based on the Strength-Dexterity test, which works on the principle of buckling of compression springs. Since this unstable task highly depends on coordination of force and position, its virtual implementation provides a novel platform to test sensory substitution techniques.
Primary Language | English |
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Journal Section | Articles |
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Publication Date | June 30, 2018 |
Published in Issue | Year 2018 Volume: 33 Issue: 2 |