Electrotactile stimulus is a form of sensory substitution in which an electrical signal is perceived as a mechanical sensation. The electrotactile effect could, in principle, recapitulate a range of tactile experience by selective activation of nerve endings. However, the method has been plagued by inconsistency, galvanic reactions, pain and desensitization, and unwanted stimulation of nontactile nerves. Here, we describe how a soft conductive block copolymer, a stretchable layout, and concentric electrodes, along with psychophysical thresholding, can circumvent these shortcomings. These purpose-designed materials, device layouts, and calibration techniques make it possible to generate accurate and reproducible sensations across a cohort of 10 human participants and to do so at ultralow currents (≥6 microamperes) without pain or desensitization. This material, form factor, and psychophysical approach could be useful for haptic devices and as a tool for activation of the peripheral nervous system.

中文翻译：

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导电嵌段共聚物弹性体和心理物理阈值，可实现准确的触觉效果


触觉刺激是一种感觉替代形式，其中电信号被视为一种机械感觉。原则上，电触觉效应可以通过选择性激活神经末梢来概括一系列触觉体验。然而，该方法一直受到不一致、电反应、疼痛和脱敏以及对非触觉神经的不必要刺激的困扰。在这里，我们描述了软导电嵌段共聚物、可拉伸布局和同心电极以及心理物理阈值如何规避这些缺点。这些专门设计的材料、设备布局和校准技术可以在一组 10 名人类参与者中产生准确且可重复的感觉，并且在超低电流（≥6 微安）下产生准确且可重复的感觉，而不会造成疼痛或脱敏。这种材料、外形尺寸和心理物理方法可用于触觉设备，并作为激活周围神经系统的工具。