Decoding the Feeling: Investigating the Vibration Used in Sim Racing Steering Wheel Haptic Feedback

Highlights: What are the main findings? One of the first studies to decode vibration frequencies transmitted through a sim racing wheel. Frequencies of 25–30 Hz uniquely linked to vibrotactile feedback. What are the implications of the main findings? Findings reveal how distinct haptic channels shape frequency transmission in sim. Steering wheel haptic feedback is predominantly and consistently contained within the 0–5 Hz and 25–30 Hz frequency ranges. Background: Haptic technology has long been integrated into simulated (sim) environments to create a sense of realism and improve performance. In sim racing, force and vibrotactile feedback have been implemented into steering wheels to create a more realistic experience. However, little is understood about how these types of feedback convey information to the sim racer. This study aimed to decode the vibration frequencies transferred through the steering wheel to the user and investigate how these frequencies vary as the strength of each feedback channel is manipulated. Methods: Using a Noraxon Ultium EMG accelerometer, the movements of a Logitech G Pro sim racing wheel were recorded whilst four participants completed five clean laps across nine different conditions. During each condition, a combination of force feedback (0 nm, 6 nm, or 11 nm) and vibrotactile feedback (0%, 50%, or 100%) settings were altered. Accelerometer data were pre-processed and Fast Fourier Transforms were performed to allow examination of signal power at frequencies of up to 200 Hz. Two-way repeated measures ANOVAs were performed to investigate differences in power at relevant frequencies across conditions and laps. Results: Wheel motion was predominantly contained within the 0–5 Hz (force feedback and racer input) and 25–30 Hz ranges. No significant differences were seen in 0–5 Hz power between conditions, but the 25–30 Hz range was observed to exponentially increase as vibrotactile feedback was linearly increased. Finally, 25–30 Hz power at a fixed vibrotactile feedback intensity significantly decreased when the force feedback intensity was increased. Discussion and Conclusions: This study decodes the haptic feedback relayed to the user through a sim racing wheel and highlights atypical changes to signal amplitude across various frequency bands when altering force and vibrotactile feedback intensity.