This project is unique because it is a cooperation between two departments within the faculty of ME, bringing together the research fields of marine engineering, ship hydromechanics and haptic feedback.
Nowadays, haptic feedback can be found in many different settings, ranging from cars to robot arms. However, so far haptic feedback has not been applied to assist control of ships. Within this project the researchers have built world’s first haptic ship simulator, by connecting a ship’s bridge simulator software package with haptic control levers, such that haptic algorithms can be developed, implemented and tested by performing human-in-the-loop experiments. Through the feedback it is for instance possible to get a feeling for the distance between the ship and the jetty. Or when you are on a small fast ship which is bouncing over the water – like marines who are on a mission do- , the haptic feedback can be used to intuitively advise the operator to lower the ship speed, when possible, to prevent serious injuries from occurring.
Based on the experience so far, haptic technology has the potential to assist in making specific types of ships and their operations more safe and efficient.