We present an array of 24×32 individually addressed Shape Memory Polymer (SMP) actuators designed to present graphical information for visually impaired users.
The main video shows the taxels being refreshed to generate a map of Switzerland, in response to a single pressure source and a matrix of micro-heaters. The inset video (top left) is taken with thermal camera to show which taxels are heated. Note how only the heated taxels move. The taxels latch into position once the heating is removed.
The operating principle is described at: https://lmts.epfl.ch/haptics_SMP
This work was developed by the EPFL-LMTS and the IIT in the framework of the FP7 EU project BlindPad
Post time: Sep-20-2017