EXTRACTING OBJECT PROPERTIES THROUGH HAPTIC EXPLORATION

This paper reviews some of our recent research on haptic exploration, perception and recognition of multidimensional objects. We begin by co nsidering the nature of manual exploration in terms of the characteris tics of various exploratory procedures (EPs) or stereotypical patterns of hand movements. Next, we explore their consequences for the sequen ce of EPs selected, for the relative cognitive salience of material ve rsus geometric properties, and for dimensional integration. Finally, w e discuss several applications of our research programme to the develo pment of tangible graphics displays for the blind, autonomous and tele operated haptic robotic systems, and food evaluation in the food indus try.