EIT week43-1 Haptics Technology

Haptics Technology Overview

Course Information

• Course: Engineering Interaction Technologies
• Professor: Michael Wessely
• Institution: Interactive Matter Lab

Introduction to Haptics

• Definition: Haptics technology creates a sense of touch by applying forces, vibrations, or motions to the user.
• Origin: The term ‘haptics’ comes from the Greek word ‘haptesthai,’ meaning to contact or to touch.

Types of Sensations in Haptics

• Tactile Sensation: Detected through skin contact, including texture, heat, and geometry.
• Force Sensation: Experienced through muscle interactions and resistance.
• Kinesthetic Feedback: Involves sensing position, motion, and orientation through joint and muscle receptors.

Applications of Haptic Technology

• Virtual Reality (VR): Enhances immersive experiences by simulating touch.
• Telepresence Robotics: Allows users to feel and manipulate remote environments.
• Assistive Devices: Aids for visually impaired individuals to navigate and interact with their surroundings.

Historical Milestones

• 1973: Early concepts of a haptic phone were introduced.
• 1995: Introduction of watches with tactile feedback for messages.
• 2015: Apple Watch popularized haptic feedback with the ‘taptic engine’ that simulates a tap on the wrist.

Force Feedback Technologies

• Virtual Wall: Uses mechanical bases to simulate solid surfaces in virtual environments.
• Wearable Devices: Smaller, personal devices providing haptic feedback directly to the user’s body.

Tactile Feedback Innovations

• Vibrotactile Stimuli: Uses vibration motors to convey information through varied rhythms and amplitudes.
• Magnetic/Electric Fluids: Utilizes ferrofluids which deform in magnetic fields to create dynamic tactile effects.

Cutting-Edge Haptic Technologies

• Ultrahaptics: Uses ultrasound to create tactile sensations in mid-air.
• Electrostatic Friction: TeslaTouch employs electrostatic charges to simulate texture sensations on flat surfaces.
• Air Vortices and Electric Arcs: Experimental methods using air pressure and ionized air to simulate touch without direct contact.

Challenges and Future Directions

• Miniaturization: Developing smaller, more efficient haptic devices that can be easily integrated into daily use.
• Accessibility: Enhancing the design of haptic devices to support users with disabilities, particularly for the visually impaired.

Conclusion

Haptics technology continues to evolve, with ongoing research focusing on enhancing the realism of tactile feedback and expanding the accessibility and usability of haptic devices in various fields.