Tactile discrimination of real and simulated isotropic textures by Friction-Induced vibrations

Friction-induced vibrations are one of the main mechanical signals that, stimulating the mechanoreceptors, mediate the fine surface texture perception. In this work, isotropic textures are simulated by means of a tactile device reproducing the friction-induced vibrations previously measured during the exploration of real textures. Texture discrimination campaigns have been carried out, showing excellent results in discriminating both the real textures and the ones simulated by the device. Discrimination errors and correct associations of real and simulated samples have been explained through the spectra of the friction-induced vibrations, highlighting that the overall amplitude of the induced vibrations and their spectra play a fundamental role in the discrimination of isotropic textures.