Making information understandable and literally graspable is the main goal of tangible interaction research. By giving digital data physical representations (Tangible User Interface Objects, or TUIOs), they can be used and manipulated like everyday objects with the users’ natural manipulation skills. Such physical interaction is basically of uni-directional kind, directed from the user to the s...

Obtaining powered linear movement over a long range of motion is common yet challenging task, as the majority actuators have limited ranges determined by their functioning mechanisms. In this paper, authors present novel belt-based self-actuated drive (B-SALD), in which self-powered moving platform slides on slotted track with essentially unlimited (only length track). Unlike traditional rack-a...

The concept of an impact actuated shift valve is presented. This valve concept can be actuated by different kinds of actuators, such as piezo stack actuators. A simplified model for the investigation of the impact process is created. The model consists of a plate, two spheres and a fluid-filled tank. Experiments are presented with and without fluids and different plates. The results are compare...