Work

Mimicking fruit textures with low-cost stylus interfaces for accessible sensory interaction

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Replicating real-world textures using haptic technology poses significant challenges, particularly in accurately capturing complex tactile qualities such as smoothness, roughness, and sharpness through vibration-based information. This research investigates how vibration parameters, intensity, duration, and off-time, can be manipulated to simulate textures inspired by fruit skins, including smooth-apple, rough-melon, bumpy-corn, sharp-pineapple, and adhesive-banana. Using a user-centered design methodology, we developed five vibrotactile patterns and implemented them within the Cactus Mobile Haptic Interface. The patterns were delivered via two interaction devices, a thimble and a stylus pen, designed to enable touch-based activities and tactile experiences. An empirical study with 36 participants evaluated those devices within three tasks: Tolerance to 10-second exposures, change perception, and the ability to associate patterns with real-world textures. Results showed that most patterns were accurately classified (76% with the thimble and 78% the stylus), although the adhesive texture proved more difficult to identify. Rough and sharp textures received slightly lower comfort ratings. While there were notable confusions between similar patterns, such as the sharp–bumpy pair, the type of interaction device did not significantly affect classification accuracy. These findings highlight the potential of low-cost haptic interfaces to mimic sensations from natural, realistic textures and emphasize the importance of refining vibration design for improved perceptual clarity. This work contributes to the development of accessible, portable, and customizable haptic systems designed for sensory interaction in therapeutic, educational, and interactive environments. Future research will focus on refining ambiguous patterns and exploring sensory integration to expand the system’s usability in tactile therapy.

Source: International Journal of Human-Computer Studies

DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhcs.2025.103659

Authors: Christian Gonzalez, Luis M. Zamudio, Jesus Favela, Monica Tentori

Institutions: Centro de Investigación Científica y de Educación Superior de Ensenada, Instituto Politécnico Nacional

Language: English

Topic: Tactile and Sensory Interactions

Subfield: Cognitive Neuroscience

Field: Neuroscience

Domain: Life Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,510

Funders: Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología, Jacobs Foundation