ThermoQueeze: A Wearable Actuator for Simultaneous Squeeze and Thermal Feedback

Research output: Contribution to book/Conference proceedings/Anthology/ReportConference contributionContributedpeer-review

Abstract

Human touch conveys both force and thermal sensations. Extensive research has shown that real-time thermal feedback from natural touch can alleviate anxiety, reduce interpersonal barriers, and foster positive emotional responses. In this paper, we present a 3D-printed haptic device designed to deliver simultaneous squeeze and thermal cues (warm). The device applies squeeze to the user's forearm through moving fabrics, while temperature cues are generated via Peltier components and distributed through a glued Alu foil. The results from the exploratory study (N = 10) demonstrates a very plausible touch experience that is significantly better than a visual only control condition. These results suggest that the devices is effective for rendering human touch but also imply a further need for investigations regarding the optimal timing and and intensity of the thermal cues.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of the 18th ACM International Conference on PErvasive Technologies Related to Assistive Environments, PETRA 2025
PublisherAssociation for Computing Machinery, Inc
Pages230-236
Number of pages7
ISBN (electronic)9798400714023
Publication statusPublished - 17 Jul 2025
Peer-reviewedYes

Conference

Title18th ACM International Conference on PErvasive Technologies Related to Assistive Environments
Abbreviated titlePETRA 2025
Conference number18
Duration25 - 27 June 2025
CityCorfu
CountryGreece

External IDs

ORCID /0000-0002-3496-441X/work/190568907
ORCID /0000-0002-0803-8818/work/190573218

Keywords

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Keywords

  • Human-Computer Interaction, Thermal-Haptic actuator design, Wearable computing