Using Vibration Motors to Create Tactile Apparent Movement for Transradial Prosthetic Sensory Feedback

It has been reported in the literature that sensory information is a valuable and desired form of feedback for prosthetic users. Communication of how the arm moves can reduce cognitive load, reduce the need for visual attention and help the user predict the initial grasping force. In this paper, a new method of communicating movement sensations is presented through the application of tactile apparent movement. By overlapping vibration created by arrays of linear resonant actuators, a stroking movement can be felt on the user's arm. The results show potential for a low cost and light weight system that can communicate stimulations for up to three degrees of actuation in a prosthetic.