Haptic Perception on the Plantar Surface for Vibrotactile Feedback Insoles

Seiler J, Schäfer N, Scheiwein M, Karahan T, Raynaud J, Suppelt M, Latsch B, Flor H, Beckerle P, Kupnik M (2025)

Publication Type: Conference contribution

Publication year: 2025

Publisher: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.

Pages Range: 569-576

Conference Proceedings Title: 2025 IEEE World Haptics Conference, WHC 2025

Event location: Suwon KR

ISBN: 9798331533533

DOI: 10.1109/WHC64065.2025.11123284

Abstract

The plantar surface provides critical sensory feedback during standing, balancing, and locomotion, making it a promising area for haptic augmentation. While insoles offer a practical platform for integrating vibrotactile feedback into daily activities, insole-based haptic systems must be carefully designed to complement rather than interfere with the natural sensory processing. To inform such designs, we investigate spatial acuity and perceivability ratings across the plantar surface under varying load conditions. We use a 3D-printed vibrotactile insole with four linear resonant actuators (LRAs) and conduct a user study (n=6) investigating stimulus localization and perceivability in both sitting and standing postures. We ask the participants to localize the perceived vibrotactile stimuli on a foot contour and to rate the perceivability of the stimuli. Our results reveal significant differences in localization accuracy between anatomical regions, with average localization errors ranging from 8.44 ± 0.1 mm at the great toe to 35.4 ± 7.06 mm in the metatarsal region. In addition, we find that perceivability rating significantly decreased in the standing posture compared to the sitting posture, with an average reduction of 29%. These results provide guidelines for the optimal design and positioning of vibrotactile actuators in haptic insoles interfaces.

Authors with CRIS profile

Philipp Beckerle Lehrstuhl für Autonome Systeme und Mechatronik

Involved external institutions

Universitätsklinikum Mannheim / University Medical Centre Mannheim (Universitätsmedizin Mannheim) DE Germany (DE) Technische Universität Darmstadt DE Germany (DE)

How to cite

APA:

Seiler, J., Schäfer, N., Scheiwein, M., Karahan, T., Raynaud, J., Suppelt, M.,... Kupnik, M. (2025). Haptic Perception on the Plantar Surface for Vibrotactile Feedback Insoles. In Katherine J. Kuchenbecker (Eds.), 2025 IEEE World Haptics Conference, WHC 2025 (pp. 569-576). Suwon, KR: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc..

MLA:

Seiler, Julian, et al. "Haptic Perception on the Plantar Surface for Vibrotactile Feedback Insoles." Proceedings of the 2025 IEEE World Haptics Conference, WHC 2025, Suwon Ed. Katherine J. Kuchenbecker, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc., 2025. 569-576.

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