Characterization, Experimental Validation and Pilot User Study of the Vibro-Inertial Bionic Enhancement System (VIBES)

TL;DR

This paper introduces VIBES, a wearable vibrotactile system for prosthetics, validated through psychophysical tests and user studies, demonstrating improved tactile perception and potential for enhanced prosthetic embodiment.

Contribution

The study provides a comprehensive characterization, validation, and pilot user evaluation of VIBES, a novel vibrotactile feedback system integrated into prosthetic sockets.

Findings

VIBES effectively conveys contact and texture cues.

System improves roughness discrimination and manual dexterity.

VIBES enhances prosthetic embodiment in users.

Abstract

This study presents the characterization and validation of the VIBES, a wearable vibrotactile device that provides high-frequency tactile information embedded in a prosthetic socket. A psychophysical characterization involving ten able-bodied participants is performed to compute the Just Noticeable Difference (JND) related to the discrimination of vibrotactile cues delivered on the skin in two forearm positions, with the goal of optimising vibrotactile actuator position to maximise perceptual response. Furthermore, system performance is validated and tested both with ten able-bodied participants and one prosthesis user considering three tasks. More specifically, in the Active Texture Identification, Slippage and Fragile Object Experiments, we investigate if the VIBES could enhance users' roughness discrimination and manual usability and dexterity. Finally, we test the effect of the vibrotactile system on prosthetic embodiment in a Rubber Hand Illusion (RHI) task. Results show the system's effectiveness in conveying contact and texture cues, making it a potential tool to restore sensory feedback and enhance the embodiment in prosthetic users.