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An investigation of stimuli-current thresholds on the non-steady contact condition

Huiling Chen (School of Mathematics and Information Technology, Jiangsu Second Normal University and Jiangsu Institute of Educational Science Research, Nanjing, China)
Liguo Shuai (School of Mechanical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, China)
Weihang Zhu (The Department of Engineering Technology, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA)
Mei Miao (School of Mathematics and Information Technology, Jiangsu Second Normal University and Jiangsu Institute of Educational Science Research, Nanjing, China)

Industrial Robot

ISSN: 0143-991X

Article publication date: 30 May 2019

Issue publication date: 5 August 2019

135

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the perception threshold (PT) of electrotactile stimulation under non-steady contact condition (NSCC) which is rarely considered in previous reports mainly because of the difficulty with experimental control. Three factors of NSCC are involved, including the current alternating frequency, the tapping interval of stimulation and the stimulating area of skin. The study is aimed at providing the basic PT data for design and application of wearable and portable electrotactile device.

Design/methodology/approach

The up-down method was selected to assess PT, and 72 experimental scenarios were constructed. During the study, we developed an experimental platform with the function of data record and programmable current stimulation. With psychophysical experiment, more than 10,000 data were collected. Furthermore, statics analysis and ANOVA test were opted for exploring the main factor influencing PT.

Findings

NSCC has different PTs on each body location, and PT has a positive correlation with frequency. In general, PT in NSCC is significantly lower than that in SCC. In some cases, it can be lower by more than 60 per cent. In addition, women have a lower PT than men across all age groups, and the younger is generally more sensitive than the older in electro-sensation.

Research limitations/implications

Limited factors of NSCC were considered in this study. Contact time and break interval should be investigated in the future work.

Practical implications

The paper includes implications for the development of smart electrotactile device.

Originality/value

This paper fulfills a challenge in assessing the PT under NSCC.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

National Natural Science Foundation of China.

61175069.

The Science and Technology R&D Fund Project of Shenzhen X.

JCYJ20170817165149850.

Citation

Chen, H., Shuai, L., Zhu, W. and Miao, M. (2019), "An investigation of stimuli-current thresholds on the non-steady contact condition", Industrial Robot, Vol. 46 No. 3, pp. 351-359. https://doi.org/10.1108/IR-11-2018-0230

Publisher

:

Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2019, Emerald Publishing Limited

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