A Tactile Expression Mechanism Using Pneumatic Actuator Array for Notification from Wearable Robots

We propose a tactile expression mechanism that can make physical contact and provide direction indications. We previously proposed a wearable robot that can provide physical contact for elderly support in outdoor situations. In our current scheme, wearable message robots, which we mounted on the user’s upper arm, give such messages to users as navigational information, for example. Using physical contact can improve relationships between users and robots. However, our previous prototypes have a problem because the types of tactile expressions (that the robots can make) are limited. Thus, we propose a tactile expression mechanism using a pneumatic actuator array for wearable robots. Our proposed system consists of four pneumatic actuators and creates such haptic stimuli as direction indications as well as stroking a user’s arm. Our wearable robots were originally designed as appropriate support and communication for two types of physical contact: notification and affection. Our proposed mechanism for physical contact and direction indications naturally extends not only notification but also the affection abilities of the robot. Our robots and our proposed mechanism are expected to support the mobility of senior citizens by reducing their anxiety on outings.