HD² High Definition Haptic Device

Introduce students to sensors and their applications

The HD² High-Definition Haptic Device is a high-fidelity haptic interface for advanced research in haptics as well as robotics. Combined with Quanser’s powerful control design environment, it provides a flexible development test bed for various emerging applications such as virtual medical simulators and teleoperation.

As a dexterous haptic device, HD² enables researchers to interact with virtual or remote environments using programmable force feedback. Compared to other commercially available haptic devices, HD² has a large workspace and very low intervening dynamics. This parallel mechanism is highly back-drivable with negligible friction. The heavy-duty capstan drive and high-performance motors reduce the perceived inertia while maintaining rigidity of the device structure.

Features

Highly back-drivable joints and very low intervening dynamics
Highly rigid structure with low friction and inertia
Capstan drive mechanism
Counterweights designed to eliminate the effects of gravity
Auxiliary analog and digital inputs
Reconfigurable handle position
High-resolution optical encoders
Built-in linear current amplifiers
Easy connectivity to the data acquisition control board through SCSI cable
Foot push pedal for auxiliary digital input

How it Works

Using seven high resolution optical encoders, the operator’s motion can be tracked in six DOF (i.e. X, Y, Z, roll, pitch and yaw). The device can apply force to the user in five DOF (i.e. X, Y, Z, roll and pitch)*.

In order to minimize the perceived weight over the entire workspace, adjustable brass counterbalances are mounted on each base. This state-of-the-art device is equipped with six built-in, high-bandwidth linear current amplifiers which, along with the smart mechanical design, make it possible to achieve stiffness coefficients as high as 3,000 N/m. A foot push pedal is provided with the device as a digital input for switching applications.

The system is controlled via PC using Quanser’s QIDe superior performance hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) control board. Quanser rapid control prototyping software QUARC for MATLAB®/Simulink® creates an intuitive yet extremely flexible controller design environment.

*HD2 is also available in configurations with 6 DOF sensed/6 DOF actuated (with actuated roll at end-effector) and 7 DOF sensed/7 DOF actuated (with pincher).