HAPTOSKIN - A FLEXIBLE SHEET-TYPE TACTILE DISPLAY WITH A CNT ELECTRODE

We developed a flexible sheet-type tactile display 'Haptoskin' with a Carbon Nano Tube (CNT) electrode that can be attached to objects and decorate the objects with extra tactile characteristics, such as smooth and rough. When the voltage is applied to the electrode, the finger on the Ployldimethylsiloxan (PDMS) layer is attracted to the electrode and experiences vibration-like tactile sensation. We fabricated Haptoskin with MEMS-process friendly materials, PDMS and CNTs. We evaluated characterization of CNTs in bending test. Next, we actuated Haptoskin in several conditions and requested subjects whether or not tactile sensation was perceived. The Haptoskin successfully presented tactile sensations to the subjects. The developed Haptoskin can be readily used as a new human interface device.