New electrode boosts haptic tech, to enhance VR, prosthetics

A team of researchers at the University of California San Diego have made a significant breakthrough in the field of haptic technology.

They have developed a revolutionary electronic device that can recreate the sensations of pressure and vibration on the skin, without causing any discomfort.

It can help virtual reality, prosthetics, and wearable technologies offer more immersive.

Novel design and functionality

The device is made up of a soft, stretchy electrode connected to a silicone patch that can be worn like a sticker on the skin. This electrode, which is in direct contact with the skin, is then wired to an external power source.

The electrode’s design is optimized for flexibility and targeted stimulation. It is laser-cut into a spring-shaped, concentric pattern, which allows it to stretch and conform to the body’s movements. It ensures optimal stretchability and targeted electrical current delivery, effectively preventing any pain for the wearer.

By sending a mild electrical current through the skin, the device can mimic various touch sensations, from subtle pressure to distinct vibrations. The frequency of the electrical signal determines whether the user feels pressure or vibration.

What sets this device apart is its unique electrode design. Existing haptic technologies often use rigid metal electrodes, which can cause discomfort or even pain due to poor skin conformity and uneven electrical currents.

In contrast, the new electrode is made from a soft, stretchable polymer that seamlessly adheres to the skin. This eliminates air gaps and ensures a consistent and comfortable flow of electrical current.

The device is crafted from a new polymer material, a unique blend of two well-known polymers. One, PEDOT:PSS, is renowned for its electrical conductivity but is inherently rigid. The other, PPEGMEA, is known for its flexibility and stretchiness but lacks conductivity.

“By optimizing the ratio of these [polymer building blocks], we molecularly engineered a material that is both conductive and stretchable,” said Rachel Blau, the study’s co-author.

Findings and promising applications

Notably, the researchers conducted tests with 10 participants wearing the device on their forearms. Collaborating with behavioral scientists and psychologists at the University of Amsterdam, they identified the lowest detectable electrical current level and adjusted the frequency to elicit different touch sensations, categorized as pressure or vibration.

“We found that by increasing the frequency, participants felt more vibration rather than pressure,” said Abdulhameed Abdal, a Ph.D. student at UC San Diego and the study’s other co-first author.

“This is interesting because biophysically, it was never known exactly how current is perceived by the skin.”

These new insights could pave the way for the development of advanced haptic devices with applications in various fields, including virtual reality, medical prosthetics, and wearable technology. In virtual reality, haptic feedback can make the experience more immersive by allowing users to feel objects in the virtual world.

In the field of prosthetics, haptic devices can help users regain some of their lost sense of touch. And in wearable technology, haptic feedback can provide a new way to interact with devices.

While further research and development are needed, this innovation marks a significant leap forward in haptic technology.