Demonstrating Haptic Source-Effector: Full-Body Haptics via Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation

We propose a novel concept for haptics in which one centralized on-body actuator renders haptic effects on multiple body parts by stimulating the brain, i.e., the source of the nervous system—we call this a haptic source-effector, as opposed to the traditional wearables’ approach of attaching one actuator per body part (end-effectors). We implement our concept via transcranial-magnetic-stimulation (TMS)—a non-invasive technique from neuroscience/medicine in which electromagnetic pulses safely stimulate brain areas. Our approach renders ~15 touch/force-feedback sensations throughout the body (e.g., hands, arms, legs, feet, and jaw), all by stimulating the user’s sensorimotor cortex with a single magnetic coil moved mechanically across the scalp.