This paper details preliminary explorations of how cutaneous rabbit illusions and virtual reality can be combined to produce experiences of cutaneous saltation along paths that do not match the actuator configuration, and to reduce the number of needed actuators. We present two studies exploring the effects of actuator configuration, vibration properties, and varying visual presentations of the virtual object touching the user’s forearm. The results indicate that the illusion can occur along a curvilinear path, and congruent visual movement can enhance the illusion and potentially reduce the number of needed actuators. Incongruent visual movement does not break the illusion but appears to modulate the perceived path of the virtual object.

This poster details a within-subjects study (n=17) investigating the effects of vibrotactile stimulation on illusory self-motion, presence and perceived realism during an interactive sandboarding simulation. The study compared three conditions: no vibration, constant vibration and dynamic vibration. The results suggest that constant vibrotactile feedback led to significantly more compelling self-motion illusions and a higher degree of perceived realism.