Haptic experimentation on a hybrid active/passive force feedback device

Abstract

This paper describes the design and implementation of a hybrid active/passive force feedback device. It has a single degree of freedom that is actuated by a motor and a brake pair. The use of a motor and a brake allows various objects to be simulated without a stability problem and related safety issues involved with using high torque motors only. The device performance is measured by its ability to simulate various test objects. Simple test objects are modeled as a benchmark test of the system's performance. The force feedback device is capable of simulating forces in a variety of virtual environments. This device demonstrates the effectiveness of a hybrid active/passive haptic actuator. An analysis of the use of hybrid active/passive actuators in the 2 degrees of freedom case finds that they are capable of simulating a rigid body in a broad range.