Evaluation of an haptic Step-Guidance algorithm through a teaching 2D/3D path scenario

In 2005, we introduced in HAVE 2005 a new record-and-replay haptic method for teaching purpose. The presented algorithm is a combination of three steps: a guiding stage, an attracting stage and a constraining stage. The benefit of this method is to avoid a dependence and a passivity from the student on the teacher, while providing enough haptic cues to perform correctly the task. We present in this paper a thorough evaluation of the algorithm using our simulation of 3D mazes. By performing 3 tests, our method is evaluated against a single use of any of the 3 stage methodologies, comparing the learning reminiscence for each of them. Results show that the three-steps method offers a good compromise between training time and path learning effectiveness. Possible extensions for the conception of an automated teacher are eventually discussed.