Demonstration of Springlets: Expressive, Flexible and Silent On-Skin Tactile Interfaces

Abstract

We present Springlets, expressive, non-vibrating mechanotactile interfaces on the skin. Embedded with shape memory alloy springs, we implement Springlets as thin and flexible stickers to be worn on various body locations, thanks to their silent operation even on the neck and head. We present a technically simple and rapid technique for fabricating a wide range of Springlet interfaces. We developed six modular Springlets: a pincher, a directional stretcher, a presser, a puller, a dragger, and an expander (Fig. 1). In our hands-on demonstration, we show our modular Springlets and several Springlet interfaces for tactile social communication, physical guidance, health interfaces, navigation, and virtual reality gaming. Attendees can wear the interfaces and explore their expressive variable force profiles and spatiotemporal patterns.