Rao et al., Design and Testing of a Robotic Apparatus to Characterize ..., Haptics Symposium 2024
Channel: IEEE Haptics Symposium
Date: 2024-04-05

#haptics #haptics2024
https://www.hapticssymposium.org/
Proprioception is vital for motor coordination but is universally absent in individuals with PIEZO2 loss-of-function (LOF). Deep pressure sensation is retained in PIEZO2-LOF making it a potential target for a sensory prosthesis to map proprioception. A robotic actuator-based apparatus and computer application were designed to exert controllable force against the body at various locations with the goal of characterizing the psychophysics of deep pressure sensation. Ten healthy participants completed experiments to validate the design and quantify sensitivity to pressure applied on the dorsal forearm. Preliminary results reveal distinct thresholds for light touch, deep pressure, and pain suggesting individuals can distinguish between them. #haptics #haptics2024 #psychophysics