Tactile display array based on magnetorheological fluid

This work is the first step to develop a programmable tactile array based on MR fluid technology. A prototype of display incorporating magnetorheological (MR) fluid has been developed and investigated. Electromagnets based on a commercial solenoid with several modifications are used as the magnetic field generator due to its small size. Surface force responses of the tactile display under various magnetic fields have been measured while a probe was moved across the upper surface. As the applied magnetic field was varied, the sensed surface profiles changed in synchronisation with the magnet field strength. With the MR actuator, the displayed surface information is stable and repeatable.