Assistive Haptic Technology Research Project

Project Overview

Bridging the Accessibility Gap

Our research focuses on developing cost-effective, customizable haptic technology solutions that enhance accessibility for people with various disabilities. By leveraging Arduino microcontrollers, advanced sensors, and 3D printing, we create practical assistive devices that provide meaningful tactile feedback.

85%

Gesture Recognition Accuracy

40%

Collision Reduction

10

Participants Studied

2

Prototypes Developed

Haptic technology prototype showing Arduino board connected to vibration motors and sensors with 3D printed enclosure

Hardware Implementation

📟

Arduino Microcontroller

Arduino Uno Rev3 serving as the central processing unit for all sensor data and actuator control.

📊

Sensor Array

Ultrasonic sensors, pressure sensors, accelerometers, and proximity detectors for environmental awareness.

⚡

Haptic Actuators

Vibration motors and Linear Resonant Actuators (LRAs) providing precise tactile feedback patterns.

3D Printed Enclosures

Custom-designed ergonomic enclosures fabricated using PLA material through FDM 3D printing. Each design is optimized for comfort, durability, and easy assembly.

• Custom-fit designs for different hand sizes
• Modular components for easy maintenance
• Lightweight yet durable construction
• Cable management integration

3D printed haptic glove prototype showing modular design with sensor mounts and wiring channels

Software Architecture

C++ Implementation

The core firmware is written in C++ using the Arduino IDE, featuring real-time sensor data processing, feedback modulation algorithms, and power management systems.


// Haptic Navigation System Core Algorithm
#include 
#include 
#include 

#define TRIG_PIN 9
#define ECHO_PIN 10
#define MOTOR_PIN 5

Ultrasonic ultrasonic(TRIG_PIN, ECHO_PIN);
HapticMotor motor(MOTOR_PIN);

void setup() {
  Serial.begin(9600);
  motor.begin();
}

void loop() {
  long distance = ultrasonic.read();
  
  if (distance < 50) { // Object within 50cm
    int intensity = map(distance, 0, 50, 255, 50);
    motor.vibrate(intensity);
    delay(100);
  } else {
    motor.stop();
  }
  
  delay(50);
}

System Architecture

Key Features:

• Real-time sensor data processing
• Adaptive haptic feedback algorithms
• Low-power sleep modes
• Wireless communication module
• Calibration routines

Libraries Used:

• Arduino Core Libraries
• Ultrasonic Sensor Library
• Haptic Motor Control Library
• I2C Communication Library
• Power Management Library

Research Methodology

User Study Design

Participants

10 participants with varying disabilities including visual impairment, speech impairment, and motor disabilities were recruited for the study.

Inclusion Criteria: Age 18-65, diagnosed disability, no cognitive impairments, willingness to participate in 3 sessions.

Study Protocol

• Session 1: Baseline assessment and device fitting
• Session 2: Training and practice with devices
• Session 3: Performance evaluation and feedback
• Follow-up: 2-week post-study questionnaire

Navigation Aid Results

Bar chart showing 40% reduction in obstacle collisions with haptic navigation aid compared to no aid

The haptic navigation system demonstrated a 40% reduction in obstacle collisions compared to traditional mobility aids. Users reported increased confidence in unfamiliar environments.

Communication Glove Results

Pie chart showing 85% gesture recognition accuracy with tactile feedback communication system

The tactile communication glove achieved 85% accuracy in gesture recognition and feedback delivery. Users appreciated the intuitive nature of the haptic signals.

GitHub Repository

Project Structure


haptic-assistive-tech/
│
├── firmware/
│   ├── navigation_aid/
│   │   ├── navigation_aid.ino
│   │   ├── sensors.h
│   │   └── haptic_control.h
│   │
│   └── communication_glove/
│       ├── glove_main.ino
│       ├── gesture_recognition.h
│       └── wireless_com.h
│
├── hardware/
│   ├── 3d_models/
│   │   ├── navigation_device.stl
│   │   ├── communication_glove.stl
│   │   └── sensor_mounts.stl
│   │
│   └── schematics/
│       ├── circuit_diagram.pdf
│       └── wiring_guide.md
│
├── research/
│   ├── study_protocol.pdf
│   ├── participant_data/
│   └── results_analysis.ipynb
│
├── docs/
│   ├── installation.md
│   ├── user_manual.pdf
│   └── contributing.md
│
└── README.md

Get Started with Our Project

Clone Repository

git clone [repository-url]