Bioinspired artificial fingertips that exhibit friction reduction when subjected to transverse ultrasonic vibrations

Rebecca Fenton Friesen*, Michael Wiertlewski, Michael A. Peshkin, J. Edward Colgate

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

25 Scopus citations

Abstract

This paper presents the design of a bioinspired artificial fingertip that resembles the mechanical behavior of a human fingertip under conditions of both static deformation and high frequency excitation. The artificial fingertip is constructed around a deformable spherical membrane filled with a cellulose sponge, itself connected to a rigid structure that acts as a bone. Force-deformation characteristics and response to a transient mechanical perturbation are both shown to be in good qualitative agreement with those of a real finger. More importantly, the fingertip exhibits friction reduction when interacting with TPads (variable friction tactile displays based on transverse ultrasonic vibrations). Comparison with artificial fingertips that do not exhibit friction reduction suggests that mechanical damping characteristics play a key role in the amount of friction reduction achieved.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationIEEE World Haptics Conference, WHC 2015
EditorsJ. Edward Colgate, Hong Z. Tan, Hong Z. Tan, Seungmoon Choi, Gregory J. Gerling
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
Pages208-213
Number of pages6
ISBN (Electronic)9781479966240
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 4 2015
Event10th IEEE World Haptics Conference, WHC 2015 - Evanston, United States
Duration: Jun 22 2015Jun 26 2015

Publication series

NameIEEE World Haptics Conference, WHC 2015

Other

Other10th IEEE World Haptics Conference, WHC 2015
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityEvanston
Period6/22/156/26/15

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Human-Computer Interaction

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