Development and evaluation of innovative applications for wide-band haptics on HOP-Child's support platform for children with autism spectrum disorders

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This project investigates the added value of high-performance vibrotactile actuators in a support platform for children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and their caregivers. The proprietary digital twin platform developed by HOP-Child ties an onscreen avatar to a smartwatch with physiological sensors and multimodal output, and currently uses narrow-band vibrotactile actuators to produce haptic feedback for different purposes, such as to direct the child's attention to the avatar. The goal of the project is to explore and evaluate the benefits of wide-band vibrotactile actuators for existing and novel uses of haptic feedback on HOP-Child's support platform. We will develop an experimental platform capable of producing vibrations with narrow-band and wide-band vibrotactile actuators (e.g., linear resonant actuators and piezoelectric actuators) on the wrist, along with visual feedback on a computer monitor or tablet. In parallel, we will use a review of the literature and ideation activities to develop a wide range of application concepts in which wide-band vibrations are likely to be beneficial. This conceptual effort will expand on current uses of haptic feedback on the platform, such as attention management, as well as novel high-potential uses that have already been identified, such as affective communication and self-awareness of biological signals. We will use a design funnel approach to select the most promising concepts for implementation, and to iteratively narrow our focus and refine application concepts from paper mock-ups to high-fidelity prototypes. The most promising concepts will be implemented and experimentally evaluated through quantitative and qualitative studies with individuals with a deep knowledge of children with ASD, including stakeholders at HOP-Child and external occupational therapists. The project will inform the design of the next generation of HOP-Child's wearable hardware and may lead to the integration of innovative haptic-driven functionalities on the platform.