Tactile Feedback for Dexterous Manipulation Operations using Assistive Prosthetic Fingers

Abstract

Dexterous manipulation operations using robotic or prosthetic fingers is seemingly facilitated with enhanced tactile feedback. Using a combination of artificial sensors and actuators, a tactile feedback system that conveys tactual information (force, pressure, & temperature) from an artificial fingertip to the user’s hand is developed and tested with subjects. Results reveal that subjects are capable of distinguishing specific actuators with a high degree of accuracy. The sensor density and actuator fidelity of the feedback system is insufficient to yield performance equal to that of a human’s natural tactile senses. Future studies are recommended to identify optimal tactile feedback sites as well as to discover a more robust system to be used in robotic and immersive virtual reality contexts.