This is Nicha Vanichvoranun, a graduate researcher who is interested in blending mechanical expertise with interactive technologies. I am currently pursuing a Master's in Human-Centered Interactive Technologies Laboratory (HCI Tech Lab) at KAIST (Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology).
Education & Experiences
Degree:
Master Candidate (Full scholarship): Graduate School of Culture Technology, KAIST (2022 - Present)
Bachelor's Degree (Full scholarship): Department of Mechanical Engineering, KAIST (2017 - 2022)
Experiences:
Soft Robotics and Intelligent Materials Lab (KAIST ME Laboratory) (January 2022 — June 2022): Undergraduate Researcher, developed a bio-inspired robust jumping robot using shape memory alloy artificial(SMA) muscle.
Just Do it lab (KAIST ME Laboratory)(August 2021 — December 2021): Undergraduate Researcher, research and develop a 3D printed teeth sprint with the colorimetric sensor, an instructive and simple approach to diagnose bruxism.
MTEC (National Science and Technology Development Agency, Thailand)(December 2020 — February 2021): Engineering Intern, develop a voice-triggering device using machine learning.
CoXsys (Bangkok, Thailand)(August 2020 — October 2020): Product Design Intern, design and manufacture a charging station for AGV robot. Along with designing and rendering concept applications of mobile robots including the indoor delivery and personal helper robot.
Skills
Hardware prototyping: 3D printing, CAD, Laser cutting, Autodesk Meshmixer, and PCB design
Programming: Python, C++, C#(Unity), Machine Learning
Mechatronics: Microcontroller, Sensors & Actuators, Automation control
Projects
ElectroClutch: A multijoint haptic glove of VR interactions
A wearable haptic device enabling kinesthetic feedback to all finger joints to promote precise grasping in VR. We employ electrostatic-based force feedback to form a clutch mechanism that extends to all finger joints. Using the electrostatic-based clutch allows us to maintain a thin and light form factor for devising the prototype while maintaining the blocking force of up to 12 N per joint. We also propose and implement a haptic rendering algorithm to enhance the appropriate object shape perception
Stretchy: Enhancing Object Sensation Through Multisensory Feedback and Muscle Input
A novel interaction method to observe and manipulate virtual fabric in a virtual reality environment. With our approach, the stiffness perception of the virtual fabric and flexible objects in VR is possible by applying multi-sensory pseudo-haptic feedback (a combination of tactile and visual feedback) and muscle strength data (EMG). For demonstration, we make fabric patches with various stiffnesses, and the stiffness difference can be distinguished.
GoGoHand+: Designing Haptic Feedback to Enhance the GoGoHand Interaction Technique
This work investigates the use of haptic feedback in the GoGoHand technique for intuitive virtual object manipulation in virtual reality (VR), and explores the impact of haptic design on enhancing body ownership, and assesses the effectiveness of haptic feedback. A haptic design pattern and hardware implementation are proposed, providing feedback based on users’ arm and hand movement. A design workshop is conducted to identify design dimensions for haptic feedback and implement design examples to demonstrate their effectiveness. These findings inform the design of haptic feedback systems for immersive 3D virtual interaction, enhancing the embodiment of VR users.
Publications
A Lightweight Wearable Multi-joint Force Feedback for High Definition Grasping in VR (IEEE VR Poster, 2023)
Authors: Nicha Vanichvoranun, Sang Ho Yoon
Stretchy: Enhancing Object Sensation Through Multisensory Feedback and Muscle Input (IEEE VR Poster, 2023)
Authors: Nicha Vanichvoranun, Bowon Kim, Dooyoung Kim, Jeongmi Lee, Sang Ho Yoon, Woontack Woo
Swipe-it!: One-handed Thumb-tip Interaction for Text Editing in AR (IEEE ISMAR Poster, 2023)
Authors: Jina Kim, Nicha Vanichvoranun, Hyuckjin Jang, Sang Ho Yoon
GoGoHand+: Designing Haptic Feedback to Enhance the GoGoHand Interaction Technique (IEEE ISMAR Poster, 2023)
Authors: Kyungjin Seo, Nicha Vanichvoranun, Yeonsu Kim, Kyungeun Jung, Jinwook Kim, Haemin Kim, Sang Ho Yoon
Projects
Awards
Grand Prize Award in the Creative Design Competition by Korea National Research Foundation, Seoul National University, Seoul (2019)
The project is called Brighter. The goal is to improve the design of solar lamps to be more compact and last longer for campers and adventurers. (see above)
Silver Medal in 12th TCho (Thailand Chemistry Olympiad) competition, Burapha University, Chon Buri (2016)
Let's get in touch at
