Electric-Feel: Sensory Substitution System
Description
Most prosthetic limbs are open-loop control systems lacking tactile information. This absence of feedback forces users to rely solely on visual cues, resulting in imprecise force modulation and a cognitive disconnect from the device. Electric Feel implements a closed-loop haptic feedback system via non-invasive sensory substitution. The architecture comprises (1) Tactile Sensing Node (Signal Acquisition) and (2) Tactile Encoding Node (Haptic Feedback): 1. Reconstructs 3-DOF force vectors by monitoring magnetic flux density perturbations within a soft elastomeric skin. 2. Encodes force magnitude and location data into spatiotemporal vibration patterns, enabling intuitive cortical remapping of prosthetic sensation.
Technologies
Gallery
Fully working system: tactile sensor exoskeleton and wirelessly controlled actuators
Novel sensing modality: custom magnetometer array PCBs under a magnet-embedded elastomer
Actuator control board with low-side switching MOSFETs connected to haptic motors
Sensor PCB layout design
Actuator control board PCB layout design
The team!