Training for needle-based medical procedures such as biopsies requires the ability to perceive subtle tactile cues while maintaining spatial precision. Conventional training methods using cadavers or synthetic phantoms provide valuable experience but are often costly, limited in availability, and lacking in long-term reusability. Extended Reality (XR) environments, including Augmented Reality (AR), offer a promising alternative by enabling immersive and interactive simulations.
Haptic feedback technology offers a means to replicate subtle tactile cues, enhancing the realism of simulated interactions. This study presents a low-cost haptic device integrated into an XR system. The system combines a single-axis mechanical actuator, a force-feedback control interface, and AR visualisation using a Microsoft HoloLens 2. Three distinct force feedback profiles, impenetrable, dynamic, and penetrable boundaries, were developed to simulate various interaction scenarios.
This work demonstrates the feasibility of integrating tactile and visual modalities for immersive and affordable simulation experiences.