Haptic technology, or haptics, refers to technology that connects users to computer systems through touch by applying forces, vibrations, and motions. It is used in teleoperators and simulators to provide force feedback, computer and video games to enhance the experience, mobile devices to provide tactile feedback, medicine to aid in surgery and reduce fatigue, and robotics to allow operators to control robots from a distance and gain a sense of touch. Haptics plays a major role in telepresence systems by allowing operators to receive audio, visual, and tactile cues from the robot's environment.

1. Haptic Technologies The roles they play in our lives... By: Asma Altaf

2. So what is Haptic Technology? This term means "of or relating to the sense of touch". Haptic technology, or haptics, refers to the technology that connects the user to a computerized system via the sense of touch by applying forces, vibrations and/or motions to the user.

3. Uses of Haptic Technologies Haptic technology is used: Teleoperators and simulators Computer and video games Mobile consumer technologies Medicine Robotics

4. Teleoperators and Simulators Teleoperators are remote controlled robotic tools. When robotic tool comes in contact with the object of interest, then “force feedbacks” are sent back. This haptic technology is generally used when a scientist wants to investigate a dangerous substa- nce e.g. Radioactive material. A robotic tool is sent instead and a scientist will get feedback through force. Simulations are commonly used to give a feel of the real event to a person. Haptic simulators are currently used in medical simulators and flight simulators for pilot training (2004).

5. Computers and Video Games Arcade games, on computers, use haptic technology to enhance the users experience. ”In 1976, Sega's motorbike game Moto-Cross, also known as Fonz, was the first game to use haptic feedback, which caused the handlebars to vibrate during a collision with another vehicle.” Video games, such as car racing games, using peripherals such as joysticks and steering wheels, create motion, give you a virtual simulation of driving a car. This is done through the use of haptic technology.

6. Mobile Consumer Technologies Haptic feed back (response) is becoming common in mobile phones. It enables users to feel clicks, vibrations and other tactile input. Samsung, dubbed the AnycallHaptic, features a large touch-screen display just like the iPhone but provides the user with 22 kinds of touch sensations.

7. Medicine Haptic technology plays a major role in medicine Haptic teleoperators are used by surgeons to carry out operations with the least trauma and better outcomes for the patient. Haptic interfaces allow surgeons and doctors t carry out operations to patients in a shorter time and with less fatigue. This allows surgeons to increase the number of surgeries carried out every day.

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