Transtiff: A Stick Interface with Various Stiffness by Artificial Muscle Mechanism

What is it about?

In this study, we propose Transtiff which has a joint that changes its stiffness dynamically to a stick object that generally cannot bend. We use a piston mechanism that uses a small motor to compress the liquid in a flexible tube to control the stiffness of the joint.

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Photo by Trey Gibson on Unsplash

Photo by Trey Gibson on Unsplash

Why is it important?

Our goal is to control the stiffness of the silicon tube that forms a part of the device, thereby changing the sensation of stiffness felt by the user grasping Transtiff. The difference compared to existing tactile devices is that Transtiff changes its behavior by controlling the stiffness of the joints rather than directly presenting tactile sensations to the user’s hand or fingers. As a result, Transtiff changes the tactile sensation felt by the user. Our method can change the tactile sensation of the object through Transtiff, regardless of how to grip. Although we use a wide variety of stick objects in our daily lives, we focused on a pen-shaped device because it is used frequently and can be used without discomfort, even if its diameter is somewhat large. We aim to achieve a change in stiffness that the user can perceive without compromising the pen-like characteristics of being light and easy to hold.

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