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Tele operation systems, in which robots are controlled remotely, are a potential solution to performing tasks in remote, small, and hazardous environments. However, there is a big disadvantage to these systems; as the direct connection between the human and the environment is lost and operators are deprived of their sense of touch. The recreation of touch feedback through haptic devices is a possible solution, however haptic devices are far from perfect and improving their design is usually a slow trial-and-error process.

This book describes 7 scientific studies that try to break this slow loop by using a deductive approach. Through investigating fundamental properties of human haptic perception using psychophysical paradigms, general knowledge on haptic perception of force, position, movement and hardness was gained. The resulting information can be applied to many different haptic devices. Consequently haptic systems can be more easily designed in an intuitive, human-centered way.

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Introduction.- Part I: Static Perception.- Perception of Force Direction and Magnitude.- Perception of Force Direction.- Perception of Force Magnitude and Postural Arm Dynamics.- Part II: Dynamic Perception.- Discrimination of Distance.- The Effect of Damping on the Perception of Hardness.- Part III: Integrating Force and Position.- Visuo-haptic Biases in Haptic Guidance.- General Discussion

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