Virtual Touch: Sensing and Feeling with Ultrasound, 2019-2020

The sense of touch codes the detection and properties of physical objects on the body via mechanoreceptors within the skin. Technological advancements, such as ultrasonic haptic devices, are now able to ‘touch without touching’, claiming this is virtual touch. An initial aim of the study was to investigate subjective intensity and pleasantness ratings of ultrasound stimulation and the influence of top-down factors using the Touch Experience and Attitudes QuestionnaireTouch Experience and Attitudes Questionnaire. Self-reported intensity and pleasantness ratings were measured in response to ultrasound stimuli. A second aim was to record from individual low threshold mechanoreceptors using the technique of microneurography in an attempt to determine which mechanoreceptors are activated by ultrasound stimulation of the skin. The major findings here were that microneurography found Slowly-adapting type-I and Slowly-adapting type-II units did not respond to ultrasound stimuli; intensity and pleasantness ratings were significantly different between age groups. Ultrasound can produce a variety of sensations with varying intensity and pleasantness ratings. A limitation of the study was the unexpected force difference generated between modulations. These findings have implications for mid-air haptics, somatosensory affective research, and virtual reality. Future research should focus on microneurography investigation of fast-adapting fibre responses to ultrasound.<p>The sense of touch codes the detection and properties of physical objects on the body via mechanoreceptors within the skin. Technological advancements, such as ultrasonic haptic devices, are now able to ‘touch without touching’, claiming this is virtual touch. An initial aim of the study was to investigate subjective intensity and pleasantness ratings of ultrasound stimulation and the influence of top-down factors using the Touch Experience and Attitudes QuestionnaireTouch Experience and Attitudes Questionnaire. Self-reported intensity and pleasantness ratings were measured in response to ultrasound stimuli. A second aim was to record from individual low threshold mechanoreceptors using the technique of microneurography in an attempt to determine which mechanoreceptors are activated by ultrasound stimulation of the skin. The major findings here were that microneurography found Slowly-adapting type-I and Slowly-adapting type-II units did not respond to ultrasound stimuli; intensity and pleasantness ratings were significantly different between age groups. Ultrasound can produce a variety of sensations with varying intensity and pleasantness ratings. A limitation of the study was the unexpected force difference generated between modulations. These findings have implications for mid-air haptics, somatosensory affective research, and virtual reality. Future research should focus on microneurography investigation of fast-adapting fibre responses to ultrasound.</p>