HAPTIC GLOVES

"The human sense of touch is an active, informative, and useful perceptual system" (Minogue, 2006). Tactile and force feedback devices on the glove simulate senses of object hardness, weight, and inertia to provide realistic simulations of an equipment. Trades workers require a number of specialized motor skills. Studies have shown that passive haptic learning can activates muscle memory for better learning (Huang et al., 2010). Workers can practice their skills in operating a specific piece of equipment or simulate situations to practice their problem solving or troubleshooting skills. 

Build Muscle Memory

Many tasks for trades workers (eg. electricians, mechanics) are highly repetitive and acquired through muscle memory. Haptic gloves allow workers to practice in a safe, virtual environment and become comfortable with the equipment they need to use or operate. 

Posture Correction

Provide real-time guidance on tool usage. Haptic gloves can be used to teach workers how to work more ergonomically and more safely. By sensing  hand positions, haptic gloves can provide workers with suggestions on how to hold equipment for better ergonomics. 

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