In recent years, technology has potentially developed for devices called “haptic” (the term haptic comes from the verb to touch and refers to sensing and manipulation through this sense), which can provide the user with physical feedback from the virtual world.
They allow one to feel, touch, manipulate or exchange objects that are present in a virtual environment (represented on a screen). Adding a sense of touch to the visual experience. Thus, a user who sends data to a computer receives information from the computer through a haptic mechanism that generates a physical sensation in some part of his or her body.
Bryan Christie Design
How does haptic technology work?
To achieve this type of interaction, the software must include sensors and actuator (motor) control circuitry. It also needs one or more actuators that vibrate or exert force, a library of quick effects and an immersive API.
When the user interacts with the joystick, touch screen, buttons, wheel or other control of the product, position data is sent to the operating system, which is then forwarded to the playback command via the actuator control circuitry.
These types of applications must use specialised hardware to generate sensory feedback that stimulates physical forces.
Let’s take an example:
A person moves the fingers of the right hand. Sensors then translate this movement into actions directly on the screen, and motors transmit feedback via links to the user’s right hand.
In this case, the screen displays a tennis ball, which when manipulated with a virtual hand, the user will be able to feel it and determine its texture and weight.
What are the main applications of haptic technology?
Gaming
Video games rank as the industry that currently has the most to gain from technological advancement. This is why, for some time now, consoles have started to introduce haptics into the lives of their users.
A clear example is the Sony: DualSense Controller. The new PlayStation 5 controller is a clear example of the implementation of haptics in technology. This controller can perform precise vibrations that complement game scenarios allowing the game to feel more realistic for users. This is achieved through precise vibrations and adaptive triggers that can be programmed to generate certain levels of resistance in the effects and movement of the controller when playing.
The use of haptics within smartphones, tablets and computers goes beyond entertainment. In these types of devices, this technology serves the purpose of guiding users through interfaces and enabling much clearer navigation.
This technology is reflected in the Apple Tactic Engine as in the Lenovo Haptis Touchpad.
Luxury car brand Audi uses haptic feedback that allows drivers to keep their eyes on the road instead of their touchscreens.
They incorporate this technology into their touchscreens and steering wheel buttons since they discovered that touchscreens are complicated to navigate while driving. So by implementing this technology, it allows the driver to know if a button has been selected correctly, saving them an unnecessary glance at the screen.
Being able to perceive, feel and touch within extended realities undoubtedly adds a new level of immersion to a VR experience. These are some of the most impactful advantages that haptic technology can add to the industry:
Strengthen the customer experience: Rather than simply interacting with customers on an audio-visual level, this technology allows organisations to stimulate deeper senses in a unique way to enhance the user experience and boost their value proposition in the marketplace.
Optimised learning: Two major scenarios where this technology excels are in the medical and manufacturing industries. For example, in medical training, a student is taught to palpate a patient by touching an organ or area of the body. As well as in the manufacturing industry, being able to visualise and palpate raw materials or products before they are even made would reduce costs, increase efficiency and ensure that the final product is of good quality.
