Haptic tactor technology is an important enabling technology for tactile situation awareness systems (TSAS). The overall objective of the project is the development of innovative tactors, for providing haptic cues to military personnel operating in various environmental conditions, with improved characteristics in the following areas: (1) miniaturization, (2) variable tactile sensor strength (frequency and amplitude modulation), (3) robustness (shock and vibration), (4) waterproofing, (5) reliability, (6) produceability, and (7) magnetic signature. The proposed tactors will be the first to meet the zero magnetic signature requirement. Four kinds of zero magnetic signature tactor designs are proposed: a vibratory tactor, a linear motion striker tactor, a lateral motion "scratching" tactor , and a pneumatic tactor.
Keywords: Coiled Spring, Piezoelectric Devices, Tactile Stimulation, Magnetic Signature, Situation Awareness
