DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT OF A LOW-COST HAPTIC DEVICE

This report discusses the research done on the selected topic, which is “Design and Development of A Low Cost Haptic Device”. This project shows the importance of haptic feedback and the interaction that will bring benefits towards the user in manipulating the haptic device. The main idea for this project is in designing and constructing a low-cost haptic device that will be used by the individual that would like to enjoy the impact that can be offered by the implementation of a haptic device in the daily activities (include working and learning activities, such as writing). A low cost haptic device that will be built needs to meet these three main functions, which are ‘Act, Feel, and Understand’. It is important to design and construct the haptic device which will be based on the nature of the user itself (how they act, how they feel, and how they can understand) in order to support working and learning activities (such as writing and drawing). For the purpose of this report, there will be two main objectives that need to be identified for designing and constructing the low cost haptic device. The main objective for the completion of this report is in investigating the hardware and software requirements that will be used as a guideline. The hardware and software that is required for the designing and constructing a low-cost haptic device is carefully studied and examined in order to produce the compatible (product, price and usage) haptic device. Another objective is to examine the characteristics of current technology (Phantom haptic device) that is readily been offered in the market. The result of the study is mainly used in comparing a low-cost haptic device that will be built with the current technology that is available in the market. The literature review section discusses on the research and other related study that the author had done, which is on the pre-development and post-development of the project itself. The information that has been gathered throughout the completion of the project will be mainly used in designing and constructing a low-cost haptic device. It consists the entire information that are useful in finding the requirements of designing and constructing (hardware and software) of a low-cost haptic device. Besides from that, other useful related information such as the nature of the technology that is currently available. Apart from
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that, the requirements that are needed for designing and constructing a low-cost haptic device are also being studied. In addition, the concept of haptic, which includes the understanding about the active force feedback and kinesthetic element also, will be discussed. In the methodology section, the author explained discussed about the process that has been implemented for designing and constructing a low-cost haptic device. The reasons of each process that were involved in the completion of this project will be elaborated in detail. Each process for the creation of a low-cost haptic device will be discussed in detail. This is important towards having a good understanding on the completion of a low-cost haptic device. The Gantt chart also is included in this report, as the main purpose of the Gantt chart is to ensure that the project is completed within the timeline and schedule. The completion of designing and constructing a low-cost haptic device needs to be ensured can be accepted and enjoyed by the individual who is in needed. Therefore, a low-cost haptic device has been tested on the respective individuals. The study findings indicate that the individual can enjoy the benefits that have been produced by the active force feedback from the creation of a low-cost haptic device. Apart from that, the result that has been gathered also will become valuable knowledge and information towards the enhancement and improvement that will be conducted in the future.