Simulating Affective Touch: Using a Vibrotactile Array to Generate Pleasant Stroking Sensations

Gijs Huisman, Aduén Darriba Frederiks, Jan B.F. van Erp, Dirk K. J. Heylen

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionAcademicpeer-review

22 Citations (Scopus)
1 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Gentle stroking touches are rated most pleasant when applied at a velocity of between 1–10 cm/s. Such touches are considered highly relevant in social interactions. Here, we investigate whether stroking sensations generated by a vibrotactile array can produce similar pleasantness responses, with the ultimate goal of using this type of haptic display in technology mediated social touch. A study was conducted in which participants received vibrotactile stroking stimuli of different velocities and intensities, applied to their lower arm. Results showed that the stimuli were perceived as continuous stroking sensations in a straight line. Furthermore, pleasantness ratings for low intensity vibrotactile stroking followed an inverted U-curve, similar to that found in research into actual stroking touches. The implications of these findings are discussed.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationHaptics: Perception, Devices, Control, and Applications
Subtitle of host publication10th International Conference, EuroHaptics 2016, London, UK, July 4-7, 2016, Proceedings, Part II
EditorsFernando Bello, Hiroyuki Kajimoto, Yon Visell
Place of PublicationCham
PublisherSpringer
Pages240-250
ISBN (Electronic)9783319423241
ISBN (Print)9783319423234
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2016
Event10th International Conference, EuroHaptics 2016 - London, United Kingdom
Duration: 4 Jul 20167 Jul 2016

Publication series

NameLecture Notes in Computer Science
Volume9775

Conference

Conference10th International Conference, EuroHaptics 2016
Country/TerritoryUnited Kingdom
CityLondon
Period4/07/167/07/16

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