Multimodality Haptic Feedback
As we interact with the outside world, we form percepts by integrating many channels of continuously varying haptic information (e.g. grip force, surface slip, surface texture, temperature,etc.). All of this information is critical when we want to perform intricate, dexterous manipulation tasks, such as suturing or tying shoes. Most haptic feedback interfaces for telerobots, such as surgical robots and upper-limb prostheses, have focused on single modality haptic feedback, which limits the richness of perception. We are currently exploring whether providing multiple channels of continuous haptic feedback (e.g. both grip force and surface slip) through different haptic modalities aids telerobotics users in dexterous manipulation tasks.