Testing started from an initial prototype of the haptic vest. The team learned a lot from this version, both concerning designing haptic clothes as well as providing haptic sensation. The vest includes a large number of vibrating motors having the purpose of conveying environment information to the wearer. A lot of experimentation is still required to find the best solution, not only in the layout of the vibrating motors but also regarding the design of the vest.
The next step was to take precise measurements, a complex, multi-step process. In the second photo, our engineer is sewing together an improved model of the haptic vest. After testing a version with improved fit, the team also experimented with vibro-sponge. Shown in the last photo, vibro-sponge is a piece of sponge with vibrating motors on it, hence its nickname. This device was used to test if the density of the vibrating motors could be increased from the vest and to test various locations on the body, in order to make sure the optimal cost-benefit ratio is realized.
