VIBES: Vibro-Inertial Bionic Enhancement System in a Prosthetic Socket.

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Robotics
• Human-Computer Interaction

Background:

• Vibrotactile feedback is crucial for advanced prosthetics.
• Existing systems often lack high-frequency tactile information transmission.
• Integrating tactile feedback directly into prosthetic sockets is an area of active research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a wearable vibrotactile system for prosthetic sockets.
• To transmit high-frequency tactile cues related to object interaction.
• To assess the system's ability to convey contact and texture information.

Main Methods:

• A wearable system with two vibrotactile actuators embedded in a prosthetic socket.
• Integration with a soft under-actuated robotic prosthesis (Soft-Hand Pro) using IMUs.
• Psychophysical characterization with able-bodied participants (JND for texture discrimination).
• Pilot study with a prosthesis user performing an Active Texture Identification task.

Main Results:

• The system effectively transmits high-frequency tactile information.
• Participants could detect and discriminate vibrotactile cues related to surface roughness.
• Pilot study suggests enhanced roughness discrimination for prosthesis users.

Conclusions:

• The developed vibrotactile system can convey essential contact and texture cues.
• This technology holds promise for improving sensory feedback in prosthetic devices.
• Further research can explore its application in enhancing prosthesis user experience and functionality.