The effects of visual information about self-movement on grasp forces when receiving objects in an augmented environment

This work explored how the presence of visual information about self-movement affected grasp forces when receiving an object from a partner. Twelve subjects either reached to grasp or grasped without reaching objects that were passed by a partner or rested on a table surface. Visual feedback about self-movement was available for half the trials and was removed for the other half. Results indicated that a graphic representation of self-movement significantly decreased transfer time when objects were passed between subjects. Results also indicated decreased time to peak grip force and peak grip force rate by the receiver with this visual feedback. These results suggest that grip force production on objects acquired from another person benefit from a crude graphical representation of the finger pads. Furthermore, these results suggest that sources of sensory feedback cannot be studied in isolation. Instead we must consider how feedback modalities are integrated for successful interaction. Implications for the design of virtual environments and integrated feedback devices are discussed