Learning a novel visual cue to update internal predictions of object weight

Abstract Background Efficient manual interactions with objects rely on accurate predictions of object heaviness, informed by both visual cues and prior lifting experience. While arbitrary visual cues can be learned to guide motor planning, their predictive utility compared to a familiar cue like visual volume remains poorly understood. Furthermore, it remains unknown whether presenting novel visual cues intrinsically (on the object) or extrinsically (on a screen) impacts predictive utility. This study investigates the extent to which familiar and novel (intrinsic and extrinsic) visual cues influence anticipatory grip force adjustments. Results In a precision-grip lifting task with three object heaviness levels, peak grip force rate (PGFR), an indicator of heaviness predictions, was measured across four conditions: “no-cue,” “familiar,” “novel intrinsic,” and “novel extrinsic.” Intrinsic cues were visual patterns (line orientations) on the surfaces of the objects, while extrinsic cues were diagrammatic depictions of the same objects and patterns. Without visual cues, PGFR was strongly biased by the preceding lift’s weight. All visual cues significantly reduced this bias. Contrary to predictions, the familiar volume cue did not exert a stronger influence than novel cues, nor did the intrinsic cues have a stronger influence than extrinsic cues. Conclusions Novel visual cues can be rapidly incorporated into motor planning without a clear performance penalty relative to a familiar cue. Presenting novel cues extrinsically also does not incur a performance penalty relative to intrinsic presentation. These findings highlight the flexibility of sensorimotor control and may inform manual interactions in environments with limited or unconventional weight predictors.