Tactile Data Entry System

Barron Associates, in partnership with the University of Washington, proposes integrating a small vibrating element into an EVA glove to create a surrogate for the tactile sense lost behind the insulating and protective layers. This vibrotactile display will stimulate the neuro-receptors in the user's fingertips, with various waveforms, or "tactors," conveying sensations such as impact or surface roughness. By restoring the sense of touch to gloved crewmembers, the system will demonstrate increased performance and reduced user fatigue compared to conventional data entry systems. The proposed technology enables user interfaces that are adaptable to a wide range of tasks, including surface navigation, document editing, communications, and telerobotic control. The Phase I prototype is a pathfinder, overcoming technical hurdles and reducing risks, for an evolved system compatible with integration into future NASA concepts for EVA suits. The prototype targets two key technological challenges to an operational system: tactile cueing and motion sensing. The proposed effort will demonstrate the feasibility of integrating these systems into advanced EVA concepts, and examine the benefit of tactile cueing for relevant data entry tasks. The Phase I program builds a foundation for potential Phase II demonstration of an advanced tactile EVA data entry system by suited crewmembers on the ISS. At the end of Phase I, NASA will be able to make an informed decision on the merits of proceeding to on-orbit evaluation.

In addition to future NASA support, Barron Associates and the University of Washington will aggressively pursue private-sector application of technology derived from the tactile data entry system. We will patent and market innovative technology, for example integration of a MEMS accelerometer into a tactile system, integration of infrared tracking with tactile feedback, and development of unique tactile cues. These technologies have broad application for touch-enabled products. In recent years, haptic technology has made major inroads into the commercial sector. Companies such as the Immersion Corporation and Medical Simulation Corporation produce force feedback surgical simulations for a broad range of procedures. Sensable Technologies successfully markets force feedback displays for computer-aided design. Mako Surgical Corporation has integrated force feedback into robot-assisted orthopedic surgery. The proposed SBIR will position Barron Associates to transition critical technologies to these sectors, and others, as the market penetration of haptics continues to grow in the future.

Barron Associates has designed proposed Phase I efforts to support a roadmap to Phase II on-orbit demonstrations. Our vision for the tactile data entry system extends, well beyond Phase II, to integration into next-generation NASA EVA suit designs. We intend to make a compelling case for this new technology by demonstrating the benefits of the proposed system for increasing performance and user satisfaction. By weaving human spaceflight considerations and EVA use case scenarios directly into our design process, we will ensure NASA relevance while minimizing integration costs for the resulting designs. To facilitate transition, Barron Associates will work with NASA to identify a specific NASA projects and personnel involved that directly relate to this work.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 4) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.