Martin S, Schreiner J, Preis A, Walter J, Franke J (2025)
Publication Type: Conference contribution
Publication year: 2025
Publisher: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
Conference Proceedings Title: 3rd International Conference on Integrated Systems in Medical Technologies, ISMT 2025 - Conference Proceedings
Event location: Erlangen, DEU
ISBN: 9798331557157
DOI: 10.1109/ISMT68188.2025.11488066
Physical touch is one of the major modalities of human perception and interaction. It is crucial not only for sensing and manipulating objects, but also for creating and transmitting emotions. This affective touch is essential for human-human interaction and social well-being. However, mimicking physical interaction with inanimate, mechatronic systems remains challenging. In this study, we use soft actuators to create a mechatronic physical interface that mimics human affective touch. This study explores two approaches to creating affective touch based on soft robotic principles. The first approach consists of a geodetic dome actuated by cable drives at the center of the six geometric elements on the top of the dome. Pulling and releasing the cables enables the geometry to be morphed and highly dynamic movements to be performed. In a second approach, an array of dielectric elastomer actuators are employed to facilitate microscopic movements at higher frequencies, such as providing vibrational feedback. We assess each approach's capability to mimic human affective touch. A quantitative subject study evaluates whether changes in amplitude and position can be perceived and differentiated. This is followed by a qualitative study of the interpretation associated with the interactions with our haptic interfaces. The results presented can serve as an important resource when designing affective touch interfaces.
APA:
Martin, S., Schreiner, J., Preis, A., Walter, J., & Franke, J. (2025). Affective Touch Using Soft Actuators for Microscopic and Macroscopic Tactile Feedback. In 3rd International Conference on Integrated Systems in Medical Technologies, ISMT 2025 - Conference Proceedings. Erlangen, DEU: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc..
MLA:
Martin, Sina, et al. "Affective Touch Using Soft Actuators for Microscopic and Macroscopic Tactile Feedback." Proceedings of the 3rd International Conference on Integrated Systems in Medical Technologies, ISMT 2025, Erlangen, DEU Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc., 2025.
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