Interactive 3D Tangible Display with a High-Speed Stiffness-Variable Jamming Module

2026-07-16

AI Summary

This work addresses the limitations of existing interactive art systems, which are often constrained by bulky mechanical structures that hinder compact, low-noise, and energy-efficient real-time stiffness modulation and multisensory interaction. The authors propose a haptic display module based on magnetic particle jamming, which, for the first time, integrates high-speed, low-voltage, and low-noise dynamic stiffness control into traditional sculptures—exemplified by the Korean Hahoe mask. Through mechatronic integration and embedded control design, the module operates autonomously and enables real-time adjustments of both shape and stiffness, facilitating immersive experiences that seamlessly blend visual and tactile feedback. The prototype demonstrably enhances audience engagement and deepens cultural immersion, establishing a novel paradigm for multisensory interactive art.

Abstract

Multisensory integration, particularly through visual and tactile feedback, plays a crucial role in enhancing audience engagement with artworks. Although recent research has increasingly explored tactile experiences in art, existing systems often lack real-time variable stiffness modulation and depend on bulky mechanical infrastructures. In this work, we propose a novel tangible display based on a magnetic jamming mechanism, enabling real-time, low-noise, and low-voltage stiffness modulation integrated into traditional sculptural artworks. Our system combines visual motion and dynamic tactile feedback within a compact standalone module, allowing audiences to interactively experience variations in the rigidity and form of features such as those found in the traditional Korean mask Hahoetal. This approach offers a new paradigm for interactive art, enabling more immersive, multisensory engagement through the fusion of cultural artifacts and modern technology. Our project page is available at https://cold-young.github.io/jamming_tangible/.

Problem

• tangible display
• variable stiffness
• multisensory integration
• interactive art
• jamming mechanism

Innovation

• magnetic jamming
• variable stiffness
• tangible display
• multisensory interaction
• interactive art