Enabling Wearable Soft Tactile Displays with Electroactive Smart Elastomers

The use of virtual images, computer generated objects and 3D models is becoming increasingly relevant in a number of fields such as simulators for training of medical operator [1], teleoperation [2], computer aided design and 3D modelling [3]. For instance, virtual reality can help training surgeons, reducing the need for learning and practicing entirely with patients or animals[4]. To this aim, data from body scans in three dimensions (3D) already allows for excellent virtual renderings of the surgical scene [5]. Nevertheless, the excellent visual feedback that can be generated is not sufficient to generate a truly realistic virtual experience. Indeed, visual feedback has to be complemented with tactile feedback, via wearable tactile displays allowing users to appreciate differences in compliance of different virtual tissues.