Virtual Reality: Concepts and Technologies

Tactile feedback interfaces 201

In the University of Hull GB, department of electronics, a tactile interface in a

5 × 5 matrix form based on electrorheological fluid-based actuators has been made

for VE applications (Taylor et al., 1996a; Taylor et al., 1996b). After validation of the

concept for an actuator, a 5 × 5 actuator matrix has been developed. Each actuator

is 11 × 11 mm

2

with rounded edges with a radius of 1 mm. Each actuator can be fed

independently with a voltage of 2.4 kV.

In the Microelectromechanical Systems Laboratory of the Carnegie Mellon Uni-

versity, researchers have developed a matrix tactile interface based on the MEMS

technologies. ...