Analysis of Spatially Constrained Reaching Movements in Haptic Environments

A distributed system with interchangeable constraints for studying skillful human movements via haptic displays is presented. A unified interface provides easy linking of various physical models with 2D and 3D static spatial constraints, and the graphical contents related to the models as well. The motion analysis is based on the data recorded by system’s History Unit with a frequency of 100Hz. Theoretical and experimental kinematic profiles are compared for several cases of basic reaching rest-to-rest tasks: curve-constrained motions with different curvatures, flexible object control, and cooperative two-arm movements. The experimental patterns exhibit the best agreement with the optimal control models based on jerk and force-change minimization criteria.