A Soft Vibrotactile Display Using Sound Speakers

Abstract: This study introduces an innovative vibrotactile display that harnesses audio speakers to convey tactile information to the fingertips while preserving the display's softness and flexibility. Our proposed system integrates a flexible polymer body with silicone rubber tubes connected to audio speakers. By streaming audio through these speakers, we induce air vibrations within the tubes, generating tactile stimuli on the skin. In contrast to conventional tactile displays that often rely on bulky, rigid actuators, our approach employs multiple speakers to deliver high-resolution vibration patterns. This configuration enables the presentation of high-frequency vibrations, potentially enhancing the fidelity of tactile feedback. We present a detailed description of the display's design principles and implementation methodology, highlighting its potential to advance the field of haptic interfaces.