A MEMS Tactile Man-Machine Interface Device for Telemedicine

We propose the application of HEMS technology to the development of a tactile finger tip display device for operation in conjunction with finger force reflective devices. By co~ining high bandwidth finger tip acutation with lower bandwidth, large motion finger force reflection, we hope to gain full range-of-motion dexterity with the impression of sensitive surface touch. For medical diagnostics and surgical operations which exploit the physician's detailed sense of touch, the proposed marrage of kinesthetic and tactile displays will provide unpresidented control and accuity. Of the four senses that are currently underutilized for man-machine interfaces (sight is currently well utilized), only touch offers the same degree of fidelity as sight and is probably necessary for many remote medical procedures. This proposal addresses technology concepts that will lead to the development of highly innovative tactile sensor technologies that can provide an additional means by which operators and their devices can communicate. This project will exploit the tactile human response mechanism for use as a communication device. It has both enormous philanthropic benefit and commercial potential for the blind and deaf communities. If funded, Cybernet Systems Corporation intends to pursue these opportunities.