Open-source hardware and software platform for vibrotactile motion guidance

<h2>Summary</h2> Vibrotactile feedback can enhance motor learning, sports training, and rehabilitation, but a lack of standardized tools limits its adoption. We developed a modular open-source hardware and software platform for delivering vibrotactile feedback that is spatially and temporally precise. The prototype device uses medical adhesive, linear resonant actuators (LRAs), and rigid 3D-printed components to standardize skin contact, avoiding the variability introduced by straps. The platform was validated by using the device's built-in accelerometers to fit a dynamic model of mechanical actuator vibration and examine how the anatomical site and body composition affect perceived vibration strength in 20 participants. Then, the platform was integrated with an optical motion-capture system to teach six participants a toe-in gait, showing potential for real-time, tailored clinical studies. By openly sharing the platform's hardware and software, we provide tools for delivering standardized vibrations and benchmarking feedback strategies in diverse applications.

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Publication Details

Journal
Device
Published
2025-10-21
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.device.2025.100966
Citations
1
Primary Topic
Tactile and Sensory Interactions
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
1.43
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Open-source hardware and software platform for vibrotactile motion guidance

Robert Faulkner, Jonathan Fiene, Katherine J. Kuchenbecker, Nataliya Rokhmanova et al.
1 citations
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Tactile and Sensory Interactions
1.43
article

Open-source hardware and software platform for vibrotactile motion guidance

Robert Faulkner, Jonathan Fiene, Katherine J. Kuchenbecker, Nataliya Rokhmanova, Julian Martus
article en
1 citations

Abstract

<h2>Summary</h2> Vibrotactile feedback can enhance motor learning, sports training, and rehabilitation, but a lack of standardized tools limits its adoption. We developed a modular open-source hardware and software platform for delivering vibrotactile feedback that is spatially and temporally precise. The prototype device uses medical adhesive, linear resonant actuators (LRAs), and rigid 3D-printed components to standardize skin contact, avoiding the variability introduced by straps. The platform was validated by using the device's built-in accelerometers to fit a dynamic model of mechanical actuator vibration and examine how the anatomical site and body composition affect perceived vibration strength in 20 participants. Then, the platform was integrated with an optical motion-capture system to teach six participants a toe-in gait, showing potential for real-time, tailored clinical studies. By openly sharing the platform's hardware and software, we provide tools for delivering standardized vibrations and benchmarking feedback strategies in diverse applications.

DeviceVol. 4(1)
Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems (DE), Carnegie Mellon University (US)
Openalex Percentile: Top 15%
Tactile and Sensory Interactions
1.43
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