High-resolution tactile display operated by an integrated 'Smart Hydrogel' actuator array

Research output: Contribution to conferencesPaperContributedpeer-review

Contributors

Abstract

Here we introduce a high-resolution tactile display based on the integration of 4,320 actuators with a density of about 300 actuators per cm2 into an array displaying both visual and tactile information. The actuators are fabricated simultaneously by UV-patterning. Intrinsically active polymers called "smart hydrogels" are used as actuators which are sensitive to changes in temperature. The high resolution temperature field is controlled by a computer using an optical interface that is controlled by a computer. Thus the temperature is adjusted for each actuator and it can be independently controlled. An actuator pixel changes color from transparent to opaque providing a visual monochrome functionality. The altitude and the elasticity change as well. Therefore the tactile display is able to generate artificial impressions about contours, textures, profiles and the softness of a surface. The actuators are covered by a thin foil …

Details

Original languageEnglish
Pages856-863
Publication statusPublished - 9 Apr 2010
Peer-reviewedYes

Conference

TitleSPIE Smart Structures and Materials + Nondestructive Evaluation and Health Monitoring 2010
Abbreviated titleSPIE Smart Structures/NDE 2010
Duration7 - 11 March 2010
CitySan Diego
CountryUnited States of America

External IDs

Scopus 77953252128
ORCID /0000-0002-8588-9755/work/142246775

Keywords

Keywords

  • high-resolution tactile display, PNIPAAm, intrinsically active polymer, large-scale integration technology, MEMS, hydrogel, actuator