The TouchBox MK3: An Open-Source Device for Finger-Based Interaction with Advanced Auditory and Vibrotactile Feedback

The TouchBox is an open-source device aimed at finger-based interaction, offering advanced auditory and vibrotactile feedback. Its capabilities encompass tracking multiple finger gestures, measuring exerted forces, and contact areas, while providing rich interactive audio and vibrotactile experiences. Previous prototypes have been utilized in psychophysical experiments and musical performance assessments. The latest MK3 version introduces novel enhancements, including a new mechanical design, onboard computation for finger tracking using the OpenMV platform, upgraded vibrotactile actuators, and improved audio amplifiers. The device is supported by an open-access repository, offering tools and documentation for easy replication and further development. The TouchBox MK3 presents a versatile and affordable solution, well-suited for educational and research purposes, and holds potential for various multimodal human-machine interaction applications.