Haptic interface prototype for feedback control on robotic integration of smart sensors

Abstract

A haptic interface is a device for operators to touch, feel and manipulate virtual environments. It senses the contact forces and gives operators a sensation of interacting with a real physical environment. Force feedback can improve the quality of the haptic feedback control in virtual reality applications. In this paper, a real time haptic interface is developed via control models in the Labview virtual environment, which is a combination of a touch force measurement haptic interface and a vibro-tactile CyberGlove serial haptic interface. The haptic interface is a prototype for real time feedback control on robotic integration of smart censors. This approach is easy to apply on various types of sensors, such as acoustic wave sensors, ultrasound array, etc., which will enhance the ability to communicate between the operators and the virtual environment. The flexiforce sensor and tactile sensor based haptic interface in force feedback systems will improve traditional robot visual sensing systems by a virtual feel.