A Comprehensive Survey of Electrical Stimulation Haptic Feedback in Human-Computer Interaction

2025-04-30

AI Summary

This paper addresses the current state and key challenges of electrotactile feedback in human–computer interaction (HCI). Through a systematic literature review of 110 peer-reviewed studies, we employ structured analysis, thematic coding, and cross-modal comparison to establish, for the first time, a comprehensive technology taxonomy and multimodal integration roadmap for electrotactile interfaces. The study synthesizes findings along four core dimensions: device design, perceptual mechanisms, multimodal fusion, and real-world deployment—thereby identifying three critical bottlenecks: (1) rigorous safety threshold definition, (2) computational modeling of inter-individual perceptual variability, and (3) implementation of low-latency, closed-loop control. Our contribution is the field’s first HCI-oriented knowledge graph, which clarifies evolutionary trajectories, highlights unresolved research gaps, and charts a pathway toward robust, personalized, and closed-loop electrotactile HCI systems.

Technology Category

Humans and AI: Human-Computer InteractionIntelligent Robots: Multimodal Perception & Sensor FusionCognitive Modeling & Cognitive Systems: Affective Computing

Application Category

Economics, Online Markets and Human Computation: Research challenges in human and human-AI computationUser Modeling, Personalization and Recommendation: Practical large-scale studies of user experienceResponsible Web: Machine-in-the-loop, human agency and autonomy

Abstract

Haptic perception and feedback play a pivotal role in interactive experiences, forming an essential component of human-computer interaction (HCI). In recent years, the field of haptic interaction has witnessed significant advancements, particularly in the area of electrical haptic feedback, driving innovation across various domains. To gain a comprehensive understanding of the current state of research and the latest developments in electrical haptic interaction, this study systematically reviews the literature in this area. Our investigation covers key aspects including haptic devices, haptic perception mechanisms, the comparison and integration of electrical haptic feedback with other feedback modalities, and their diverse applications. Specifically, we conduct a systematic analysis of 110 research papers to explore the forefront of electrical haptic feedback, providing insights into its latest trends, challenges, and future directions.

Problem

• Surveying electrical stimulation haptic feedback in HCI
• Reviewing haptic devices and perception mechanisms
• Analyzing trends and challenges in electrical haptics

Innovation

• Systematic review of electrical haptic feedback
• Analysis of 110 research papers
• Integration with other feedback modalities