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The Haptix Laboratory
is home to a set of research projects aimed at developing and applying
human/machine interface devices to exploit the human sense of touch
(haptics). We apply design and analysis tools from multibody dynamics,
nonlinear controls, robotics, and hybrid dynamical systems theory. In
particular, we study the connection established between a human and
machine through a manual control interface. The connection is
invariably more than physical —it involves information flow, learned
behavior, and adaptive control processes. Through a good connection,
the human can use the machine as an extension of his or her own body,
to express ideas and carry out intentions. A well designed prosthetic
device, a musical instrument, a tennis racquet, and a modern automobile
are all examples of machines whose manual interfaces have been
carefully tuned to achieve “good connection”.
A motorized and computer controlled
manual interface (a haptic interface) can be used to make connections
even better. It can be used to realize new means of training,
extending, and augmenting human expression and manual skill. Our
projects have application in stroke and spinal cord injury
rehabilitation, machine automation, driver/vehicle interface, and
electronic musical instrument interface. For more information on our
projects, please select projects from the
menu up top.
Our laboratory is based in the Department
of Mechanical Engineering at the University
of Michigan.
Our group is also part of the Controls group
at Michigan.
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