Subjective Haptics: Sharing and Augmentation of Sensorimotor Control: Plenary Talk

Haptic sensation depends on our bodies as well as an object touched. Mechanical interaction between the skin and object derives haptic sensations and individual skin characteristics and movements influence haptic sensations. Furthermore, the movement is consciously or unconsciously adjusted by the haptic sensation. Thus, haptic sensation involves individual physical skill, indicating that haptic technologies reflecting individual sensorimotor controls might be available not only for object recognition but also for human augmentation. We have developed a wearable tactile sensor that allows a user to touch an object with their bare fingertip and measure subjective tactile sensations. Integrating it with the tactile feedback interface can be available to enhance tactile sensation, improve motor skills, share tactile sensations with others, and human-human/robot collaborations. In addition, we have investigated body integration through a robotic avatar in which multiple users cooperate. We have observed the effect of improving the operation and sense of agency in body integration, indicating that embodied collaboration can overcome individual abilities. Under these research and developments, the design of haptic interfaces for integrating sensory information with motor information is crucial in inducing intuitive recognition and operation, promoting collaboration, and improving a sense of agency. I will introduce interfaces and systems developed and findings, and discuss future applications and challenges using individual haptic sensations.