Electrotactile Stimulation, A New Feedback Channel for First Responders

Abstract

This paper presents the early results of research aiming to develop a novel system for unobtrusive and intuitive electrotactile feedback for first responders. The system leverages the multi-pad stimulation technology based on spatiotemporal modulation of the stimuli. Two-point discrimination threshold mapping was performed in potential electrode placement locations, defined from the usability perspective by the first responders in initial co-development sessions. Based on these results a custom electrode design was proposed and validated in six healthy volunteers. Psychometric testing was conducted to determine spatial discrimination between stimuli produced by the multi-pad electrode. The average success rate of 80% indicates that the proposed approach is feasible.