Abstract: A multidirectional control system with shear feedback, comprising at least one stationary body, a plurality of tactors disposed within the at least one movable body or the at least one stationary body. In some embodiments, a moveable body is included, such that the tactors have at least one degree of freedom of motion with respect to the stationary body or the moveable body within which they are disposed and are operable to engage target areas of a user's skin; and a plurality of actuators capable of moving the tactors.

Abstract: A climbing robot suitable for climbing a substantially vertical, inclined or horizontal surface comprises a main body (14) including: an upper cross-member (18) having a pair of ends; and a pair of spaced-apart gripping mechanisms (16a, 16b) coupled to the main body. The pair of gripping mechanisms are independently and selectively releasable from and attachable to a surface on which the robot can climb. An actuator (40) is carried by the main body, and an end-weighted pendular tail (12) is actuatable by the actuator and is configured for pendular rotation relative to the main body. Rotation of the pendular tail relative to the main body causes one end of the cross-member main body to rise relative to an other end of the main body resulting in the robot climbing the surface.

Abstract: An active handrest system (10, 10a) with haptic guidance comprises a haptic interface device (12) operable to be manipulated by a user's fingers (14). The haptic interface device is operatively connected to a movement sensing mechanism (16) capable of sensing motion of the haptic interface device in three dimensions. An active handrest (18) is operatively associated with the haptic interface device, the active handrest including an actuated support platform (20) actuated in at least one degree of freedom. The active handrest is configured to support a hand, wrist, and/or arm of a user and is moveably responsive to motions of the haptic interface device detected by the movement sensing mechanism.

Abstract: A tactile display comprises a contact pad, operable to engage a target area of a user's skin. A restraining system is operable to restrain a portion of the user's skin distal from the target area of the skin. An actuation system is operably coupled to one of: i) the contact pad and the ii) restraining system. The actuation system is capable of moving the contact pad and the restraining system relative to one another to create a shear force across the target area of the user's skin to thereby provide tactile information to the user.