Georgia Tech researchers have created a glove that heightens one sense of touch. Preliminary results presented in May, at the IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation, showed that the glove can improve the wearer’s motor skills and tactile sensitivity. Fundamentally, the glove works by applying high frequency vibrations to the finger tips of the wearer. “This device may one day be used to assist individuals whose jobs require high-precision manual dexterity or those with medical conditions that reduce their sense of touch,” Georgia Tech assistant professor Jun Ueda said in a prepared statement.
The researchers are now trying to determine the optimal amplitude and frequency for the glove, as maximum sensory boost was experienced at different vibration levels among participants. The team will also be looking into the effects of long-term exposure to the vibrations. Articles can be found at Discover Magazine [1] and Georgia Tech Research News [2]