Haptic-Feedback Ring Enabled Human-Machine Interface (HMI) Aiming at Immersive Virtual Reality Experience

A haptic-feedback ring enabled glove-based human-machine interface (HMI) using a ring-shaped triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) for finger bending sensing, and a lead zirconate titanate (PZT) thin film for effective haptic sense simulating, is developed for advanced interaction and collaborative operation in robotic manipulation and virtual/augmented reality (VR/AR) area. With the novel voltage integration method, the continuous finger motion can be captured with the minimalistic sensor design, which is difficult to be achieved by conventional contact-separation mode TENGs. With the haptic feedback function enriched by the PZT stimulator, the real sense of touch, compress and force can be successfully simulated, showing great potential in next-generation virtual entertainment and educational training applications.