Haptic Feedback System Using Informative Resisting Torque for Lever Joystick Operation

Elderly adults show an aging-related decrease in hand dexterity. Hence, there is a need to develop techniques to address this impairment in manual dexterity, especially when the elderly operate equipment such as powered wheelchairs. In this research, we built and tested a prototype of a manual controlled input lever with two degrees of freedom. The system uses magnetic particle brakes in each rotational joint. The drag torque was implemented by actuation of the magnetic particle brake. In order to help control the input to a control system, the lever generates a resisting torque against the user’s actions at a suitable angle. The purpose of the proposed system is to reduce the burden of operation on the user while respecting their intentions. We confirm that this system is able to allow lever manipulation while avoiding inappropriate operation. The results of this study enable control input devices to adapt to the ability and preferences of the user.