[Art_beyond_sight_learning_tools] Maglev Haptic, art competition, tactile books

[Lisa Yayla]

Hi,
More links to articles about Carnegie Mellon's haptic research, art 
student in competition, and some blogs mentioning tactile books.
Regards,
Lisa


http://blog.wired.com/gadgets/2008/03/hands-on-with-m.html
Hands-On With Maglev Haptic Control Technology

Today I touched the bunny.

Carnegie Mellon University's Robotics Institute is using magnetic 
levitation to provide what it claims is the most realistic sense of 
touch yet seen on a haptic interface.

Introducing the technology Tuesday, research professor Ralph Hollis said 
that possible applications included precise microsurgery, 
computer-augmented design, remote control of robotic vehicles and 
military drones, and even data visualization.

"Experience the visco-elastic properties of simulated tissue," said 
Hollis at one point, almost in the manner of someone marketing a 
vacation in Tahiti.


http://www.freshnews.in/now-a-computer-that-can-sense-and-feel-22432

http://www.myfoxphilly.com/myfox/pages/News/Detail?contentId=5937380&version=1&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=TSTY&pageId=3.2.1
Magnetic Levitation Gives Computer Users Sense Of Touch
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080304101431.htm

excerpt
Blind student’s art composition advances to state contest
When Linda Hooker discovered Chris Freeman was in her art class at 
Madison Middle School, she started to worry about how she would teach 
him. Freeman has been legally blind since birth, and Hooker was 
uncertain how to translate artistic creativity to the youth while 
tapping into his natural talent.

She apparently found a way, and now Freeman’s creation is on its way 
from a regional art competition to the state competition March 8 at 
Michigan State University in East Lansing. The Madison sixth-grade 
student said he is just curious and likes to build.

“I taught myself to build. I was in the back yard one day and found a 
piece of wood,” he said. “I was bored and just decided to hammer some 
nails in it.”


http://www.lenconnect.com/articles/2008/03/04/news/news05.txt
Blog excerpt

http://karynromeis.blogspot.com/2008/03/tactile-graphics.html
Tactile graphics
She started making tactile books for children aged 3-7, and is now 
supplying an international market. Books are currently available in 
English, Afrikaans and Xhosa - the three main languages spoken in the 
area of South Africa where Lynette is based, but

blog Tactile books
http://kotkarankki.blogspot.com/search/label/tactile%20books