Haptic Devices and Interfaces

Abstract

The sense of touch (somatic or haptic) involving force‐reflecting devices acting on, or in conjunction with, human movement, provides a powerful paradigm to assist individuals in shaping their biodynamic actions in specific tasks or scenarios. Haptics can behave as both a sensor (force display) or an actuator (controller) with much research accomplished in both areas. First a survey on current biomedical and rehabilitation applications is provided. A specific biomedical example is then presented that deals with modulating control motions made by physically challenged individuals that enabled more voluntary control. Finally, the future applicability of haptics or force reflecting technology is given.