Abstract: A tactile simulator has an array of actuators (1), with each actuator including a linear motor, the movable thrust rod (6) of which carries a force sensor (5). The position of each thrust rod (6) is sensed by a corresponding position sensor (8). Each actuator (1) also includes a corresponding controller (12) which drives the motor in dependence upon signals from the force sensor (5) and the position sensor (8). An array controller (13) controls the individual element controllers (12) in order to drive the thrust rods (6). The simulator can be used in a display mode, in which the thrust rods (6) are driven to occupy positions corresponding to a surface stored in a database, or in a scan mode, in which the thrust rods (6) are driven in to contact with a surface to be registered or recorded.