Partial adaptation to surface movement during hand reaching

Abstract

Humans can adapt to environmental changes in a vast range of situations, but systematic errors remain when strong a priori assumptions are violated. We tested the assumption that inanimate objects are stationary by moving a plate under participants' fingers while they reach a target. We found limited adaptation, mainly when visual feedback of hand position was provided. Despite awareness of surface motion, directional knowledge was poor. These findings inform the design of haptic and robotic interfaces.