Development of Semi-Active-Type Haptic Device Using Variable Viscoelastic Elements

Abstract

Abstract. Recently, the use of haptic technology has been expected in various fields, such as medicine and entertainment. In general, haptic devices are actuated by DC motors. However, DC motors have active rendering and can cause serious accidents when the system runs out of control. On the other hand, systems that employ a brake are stable and intrinsically safe. However, such systems have several haptic rendering limitations. Therefore, we have developed a semi-active-type haptic device using variable viscoelastic elements: an electrorheological (ER) devices and pneumatic artificial muscles. In this paper, we proposed control modes according to the haptic application, and we demonstrate several haptic experiments. Finally, we confirm that the novel semi-active system achieves haptic rendering of friction, viscous friction, virtual wall, and stiffness.