Detailed Report
Several studies have shown that force and vibration feedback can improve operator performance in maneuvering and manipulation tasks and can reduce the training needed to achieve a level of skill. However, other studies have shown little improvement resulting from haptic feedback. These conflicting results suggest that careful design of the force and vibration feedback mechanisms and attention to the particular task requirements are needed to realize any benefits. In particular, haptic feedback appears to be beneficial when it reduces an operator's need to concentrate on indirect visual cues for information about contacts and dynamics. Haptic display also permits the operator's physical reflexes to come into play, expediting skill acquisition.
Subjects participated in simulated exercises for clearing a damaged building and identifying obstacles in a virtual environment.
Subjects made fewer errors with haptic feedback
Users identified obstacles more quickly and accurately with haptic feedback