Touch Me Gently

A new Frontier in Haptic Realism with Shape Memory Alloys

In 2018, existing viable haptic systems relied mainly on vibration, which couldn't accurately replicate the nuanced sensations of real touch. "Touch Me Gently" aimed to bridge this gap, creating a more immersive and expressive way to experience touch sensations, particularly for virtual environments.

"Touch Me Gently" explored the potential of Shape Memory Alloys (SMAs). These unique materials change shape when heated, allowing for precise control over the type and intensity of pressure applied to the wearer's skin. This opens up possibilities for simulating a wide range of touch sensations, from gentle stroking to firm pressure.

The project involved designing a wearable system that incorporated SMA actuators, arranged for optimal effect. This likely required careful experimentation with actuator placement and size. Additionally, custom electronics were essential to provide the power and control needed to activate the SMAs to create the desired sensations. User studies played a vital role in refining the system's design and ensuring the simulated touch felt natural.

"Touch Me Gently" moves beyond standard vibration-based haptics, offering a new level of realism and immersiveness. The project garnered recognition, including being a finalist in the Best Design Awards and featured in the Global Grad Show 2020. It also holds potential applications in XR, sensory substitution and enhancement, rehabilitation, and various fields where realistic touch simulation opens new avenues of interaction and experience.
  • Software Engineering
  • Hardware System Design
  • Rapid Prototyping
  • Machine Learning
  • Project Management
  • C
  • C++
  • C#
  • Unity 3D
  • Unreal Engine
  • Android
  • Python
  • Java
  • Kotlin
  • Assembly
  • HDL
  • Embedded Linux
  • Altium Designer
  • LTspice
  • Cadence OrCAD
  • Adobe Illustrator
  • Adobe Photoshop
  • Adobe Premiere Pro
  • Figma

Augmented Human Lab
Website
ACM Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems (CHI 2020)
PDF| Video
Student Digital - Designers Institute of New Zealand Best Design Awards (2020)
Link ACM Conference and Exhibition on Computer Graphics & Interactive Techniques in Asia (SIGGRAPH Asia 2019)
PDF

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