Haptic devices provide force feedback to humans interacting with virtual or remote environments. Such devices convey a kinesthetic sense of presence to the operator. The key characteristic that distinguishes a haptic interface from passive devices is a bi-directional flow of information.

 

Projects

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Haptics Data Archive- The purpose of this archive is to share datasets related to human and machine touch and manipulation. The goal is to encourage researchers to mine datasets for new results. To find out about uploading a data set, click "Upload Data" in the menu bar above. The archive is hosted by the Biorobotics Lab at the The University of Washington.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

| Status: Active use and development|

 

 

 

Devices

 

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Multi-Finger Haptic Display (MFHD) - four 2-DoF mechanisms for kinesthetic interaction with a virtual environment via the fingertips of the index, middle, ring and pinkie fingers. The mechanism is optimized to fit the human fingers’ flexion-extension planar workspace. The human-device interface is a four-fingered glove attachment. The wrist is supported by a platform.  Currently used for multi-finger psychophysics studies.

 

| Status: Active use |

 

Haptic Paddle - 1-DoF mechanism for haptics research and instruction

 

| Status: Development |

 

 

 

Linear Haptic Display (LHD) - A 3 degree-of-freedom haptic device, built for maximum workspace, force output, and structural stiffness. It features a patented steel cable transmission system which enables high forces and high rigidity in the three orthogonal axis of translation motion.

| Status: Retired |

 

 

 

 

 

Fingertip Haptic Display (FHD) - A 2 degree-of-freedom haptic device whose mechanical design is optimized for the workspace of the human finger. This device is being used to study human perception of curved surfaces and surface discontinuities. 
| Status: Retired |

 

 

 

 

 

Pen Based Force Display (PBFD) - A direct-drive, parallel, actuation redundant, three degree-of-freedom haptic device designed to provide force feedback information generated by either a master-slave system or a virtual simulation. The operator interacts with it using either the fingertip or a freely held pen-like tool.
| Status: Retired |