TACTIP—Tactile fingertip device, challenges in reduction of size to ready for robot hand integration

Benjamin Winstone, Gareth Griffiths, Christopher R Melhuish, Tony Pipe, Jonathan M Rossiter

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference Contribution (Conference Proceeding)

41 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Previous work on the TACTIP project has demonstrated a prototype tactile fingertip device, at a little over twice the diameter(40mm) of a human fingertip (16-20mm). Unlike most other developed MEMS sensors, the TACTIP device is appropriate for all tasks for which humans use their fingertips; examples include object manipulation, contact sensing, pressure sensing and shear force detection. This is achieved whilst maintaining a very high level of robustness. Further work with this concept has reduced the size of the device to that closely matching the range of a human fingertip (20mm). Previous development of the TACTIP device has in isolation, proven the potential for these applications, but not provided a benchmark specification of its technical performance. This paper presents benchmarking results from testing pressure and shear force readings using both versions of the TACTIP designs with comparisons that highlight the compromises encountered when reducing the physical build size of the device. The results show that a reduced size device offers greater sensitivity under lower forces, but cannot be subjected to the greater forces that the larger device can.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of ROBIO 2012, IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Biomimetics
Pages160-166
Number of pages7
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 11 Dec 2012
EventRobotics and Biomimetics (ROBIO), 2012 IEEE International Conference on - Canada, Alberta, United Kingdom
Duration: 11 Dec 201214 Dec 2012

Conference

ConferenceRobotics and Biomimetics (ROBIO), 2012 IEEE International Conference on
Country/TerritoryUnited Kingdom
CityAlberta
Period11/12/1214/12/12

Research Groups and Themes

  • Tactile Action Perception

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