The device comprises a support structure (18) movable along at least a first reference axis (X), a feeler member (13, 14) carried by the structure (18) so as to be able to effect limited relative displacements along the axis (18) relative to a predetermined rest position, and detector means (30) for providing electrical signals indicative of the magnitude and direction of the movements of the feeler member (13, 14) relative to the structure (18). According to the invention, the feeler device comprises at leat a first intermediate structure (16) supported by the structure (18) by means of first blades (17a) which can be bend in a plane parallel to the reference axis (X); the feeler member (13, 14) is also supported by this intermediate structure (16) by means of second blades (17b) having bending characteristics substantially the same as those of the first blades (17a) in a plane parallel to the reference axis (X). The feeler device may be made so as to be able to detect movements of the feeler member (13, 14) relative to the support structure (18) along two (X, Y) or three independent axes (X, Y, Z) as well.