Optical Tactile Array Sensors

This project deals with methods for constructing cost-effective, robust optical tactile sensors with high numbers of input degrees of freedom. The technology can be used for one-handed 3-dimensional computer input, or for robust, high-resolution tactile sensors (including artificial hair sensors or whiskers) for robots or other devices. Below is a prototype of a miniature 4DOF 3D controller using the technology. It is similar to devices made by companies such as 3Dconnexion, but is small enough for hand-held applications. You can read a paper about it here.

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