Multi-Fingered Haptic Interface Robot Handling Plural Tool Devices

Tool-type haptic interfaces such as scissors are used to present force feeling for surgical training in virtual reality environment. Presentation of force feelings of plural tools needs to prepare many single tool-type haptic interfaces. This paper proposes newly conceptual idea for plural tool-type haptic interfaces. The proposed system consists of single tool-type haptic devices and a multi-fingered haptic interface. The system has a greater potential for the force feelings of plural tool devices than does a single tool-type interface in the view of work space, removable equipment, force control, small dimensions, and simple tool-type device. Tool-type devices, which are scissors, injector, and knife, are developed to present reactive feeling. Experimental results of cutting simulation are shown to demonstrate the effectiveness of proposed system