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Biomechanics

Biomechanics - Poster Session A

Poster D2 - "Virtual Reality in Medical Training: Enhancing Immersion and Efficacy with Haptic Feedback Gloves for Safe and Effective Skill Development"

Thursday, October 24, 2024
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM EST
Location: Exhibit Hall E, F & G

Introduction:  New medical professionals entering the professional field directly out of their studies often face the challenging and chaotic reality of their roles as life savers. Despite extensive education, they cannot be prepared for every scenario that will be thrown at them with little to no, if not zero, hands-on experience. Thus, the testing of virtual training has been incorporated into medical education for some time, but it remains inadequate and not a proven tool for providing benefits to newcomers. Introducing haptic feedback technology will transform this training and bring about a safer transition for both the new medical professionals and patients alike. By incorporating force feedback along the hands and wrists, the simulation can mimic the weight of tools and the dynamics of medical procedures more accurately. Moreover, a more precise application of haptic feedback on the fingertips can significantly enhance immersion. This innovation aims to make virtual training a core component of medical education, moving beyond its current elective status. Integrating this device into the training programs could better prepare future medical professionals, ultimately saving lives as they transition from academic settings to the demanding medical field. We hypothesize that developing a haptic feedback glove for virtual reality medical training will provide a crucial, immersive learning experience, thereby improving skill acquisition and preparedness in real-world medical situations.

Materials and

Methods:  Using a 3D printer, the framework was created and integrated into a thin breathable cloth glove to minimize heat generated by the attached electronics. This design aims to improve comfort and protection for the user. The current iteration of the glove incorporates potentiometers and a standard Quest 3 controller for movement tracking. For haptic force feedback, we employ a series of servo motors stationed near the base of the hand to create tension developing the illusion of the weight and position of an object in the user's hands. To enhance the tactile feedback along the fingertips, we are integrating a grid of micro-pumps. The final choice of pump type, with heads measuring only 3-5 millimeters in diameter, is still under evaluation. The options being considered include piezoelectric, electromagnetic, and electroosmotic pumps They are then programmed to simulate the pressures felt when interacting with objects in a virtual environment. This arrangement is intended to create a realistic sensation that corresponds to what the user sees in virtual reality, thereby enhancing immersion. By meticulously positioning and controlling these pumps, the device aims to deliver precise and realistic haptic feedback. The system's effectiveness in simulating tactile sensations will be evaluated based on user feedback and interaction performance in various virtual reality scenarios.

Results, Conclusions, and Discussions: Preliminary data indicate that the use of servo motors to create tension along the fingers significantly enhances user immersion by preventing the fingers from moving beyond a certain designated point based on situations present in the virtual world. This method shows promise in improving the tactile realism of the device. The optimal design and method for creating tension are still under development, with ongoing improvements expected. Current framework materials, such as 3D-printed plastic scaffoldings, serve their purpose but could benefit from stronger alternatives such as specialty filaments that are available at the Clemson Bioengineering department and may eventually progress to using a polycarbonate filament or ABS to avoid breakages. Despite these material limitations, the primary functionality and objectives of the device remain intact. The haptic arrays along the finger face, although not yet fully perfected, show promising results. When refined, these arrays will be an indispensable feature of the haptic feedback gloves, greatly enhancing the training experience for future medical professionals. Concerns about battery life and potential damage to the glove’s electronics are being addressed in subsequent iterations. Enclosing the electronics to protect against liquid exposure and impact damage is a priority. Future applications of this device could extend to therapeutic uses for patients with neurological damage, offering potential as a tool for neuron mapping and alternative therapy. The commercial potential of a more immersive VR glove is significant, particularly if production costs can be minimized. Additionally, incorporating EEG or EMG technology could further enhance immersion by integrating biofeedback, either by reading neural signals or providing signals for therapeutic purposes. Continued development and refinement of this haptic feedback glove holds great promise for medical training and beyond. By improving the tactile feedback and durability of the device, we aim to provide a robust tool for enhancing the preparedness of medical professionals and exploring new therapeutic avenues for neurological rehabilitation.

Acknowledgements (Optional):  I would like to acknowledge Clemson Creative Inquiry Program for funding this project.