Multi-Finger Localization Feedback Using Vibrotactile Pattern Stimulation (VPS) for Prosthetic Hand

Prosthetic technology demanded the integration of haptic feedback. Current myoelectric prostheses do not have a mechanism to deliver any sensory information, making it difficult for amputees to feel connected to their hand. The lack of sensory feedback to provide grasp or slip feedback causes the demand of prosthetic hand decreases among amputees. Vibrotactile stimulation is a simple and safe choice for a non-invasive haptic display that can be easily integrated into current hardware. In this paper, a preliminary experiment is carried out to investigate the accuracy performance of normal vibrotactile pattern stimulation (VPS) for multi-finger localization feedback. Then, three types of VPS were proposed to enhance the accuracy performance of multi-finger localization feedback. Seven unimpaired participants (N = 7) performed VPS manipulation by installing vibrotactile stimulation device on non-dominant arm. VPS manipulation outcome measure was accuracy performance. The results indicated that proposed VPS2 with (97 +/- 4) % accuracy was statistically significant improve accuracy performance compare to normal VPS with (72 +/- 6) % and proposed VPS1 with (66 +/- 17) %. These preliminary findings suggest that this approach can be used for slipping detection for prosthetic hand.