Haptic Device Working with an Electrorheological Fluid

Abstract

A haptic device based on an electrorheological fluid has been designed and tested. The device is similar to ajoystick which controls the motion of a cursor on a computer screen. In electric fields of different strength the shear stress of the electrorheological fluid is increased accordingly, which is perceived by the user by different resistance forces against the motion of the joystick. Controlled by the software the user can feel if the cursor enters a selected field on the screen. Such haptic devices can be useful in various possible applications like supporting tools for the operation of machines, assisting interfaces for blind persons working with a computer, virtual reality or computer games. The design of the haptic device, its components and the electrorheological fluid used are described.