2. TOPICS
What is Haptic Technology ?
History
Purpose
Types of Haptic Systems
Uses of Haptic Technology
3. WHAT IS HAPTIC TECHNOLOGY ?
Haptic technology is the use of tactile sensations to stimulate the sense of touch in a user
experience. For example, direct applications of haptic solutions frequently include phone
and game controller vibrations. Haptic science also involves any tactile feedback such as
air pressure or sound waves. In simple terms it is the science of transmitting and
understanding information through the sense of touch.
Also known as 3D touch , this technology creates experiences using vibrations, motions,
and other forces. Since touch is the most fundamental method of interaction, leveraging
sensation within your products is fast becoming the newest approach for creating
memorable brand experiences.
4. WHAT IS HAPTIC TECHNOLOGY ?
HISTORY
Though its origins are hard to trace, one of the earliest applications of haptic technology was in
aviation. The controls of a plane would vibrate in tandem with turbulence so pilots could better
understand what was going on outside of the plane! The haptic feedback would also alert the
pilots if the aircraft was approaching a stall, increasing flight safety.
After this initial use of haptics, a patent for a tactile telephone was granted in 1973 as the use of
haptics continued to expand. Today, haptic technology can be found in smartphones, laptops,
vests, chairs, robots, simulators and more.
5. WHAT IS HAPTIC TECHNOLOGY ?
PURPOSE
While the main goal of haptic technology is to communicate something to the user, there
are many different reasons why one would want to communicate in the first place. Haptic
technology can be used to teach something, to train someone, to build something or simply
to entertain the user.
Despite the many different ways and reasons that haptic technology can be used to
communicate, there is one thing they all have in common: they allow inanimate objects to
re-create the feeling of using real objects, and then in turn allow these inanimate objects to
touch you back.
How exactly haptic technology is used depends on what you are trying to communicate but
at its core, the purpose of haptics is to act as a form of touch communication between an
inanimate object and a human.
6. TYPES OF HAPTIC SYSTEMS
Graspable
Graspable devices, like joysticks, create kinesthetic feedback that informs our nerves, tendons, muscles, and
joints. For example, human-controlled robotic operations utilize graspable haptics systems. Tactical movement,
vibration, and resistance allow users to operate robots remotely and in virtual environments
Touchable
Touchable haptic technology is widely used by consumers, whether they are aware of it or not. For example,
smartphone screens use haptic technology, responding to user movements, like taps or rotations.An emerging field
within touchable haptic technology is haptography and the mimicry of object textures and movements.
Wearable
Wearable haptic systems produce contact sensation by relying on tactile stimuli, such as pressure,
temperature, or vibration, which is controlled by the nerves of the user’s skin.
Virtual Reality (VR) products are the most recognizable form of wearable haptic technology.
7. USES OF HAPTIC TECHNOLOGY
Mobile Devices
Haptic technology is common in cellular devices. In most cases, this takes the form of vibration
response to touch. It refers to the production of variable forces on a user's finger as it interacts with a
surface such as a touchscreen. In 2013 Apple was awarded the patent for a haptic system that is suitable for
multitouch surfaces.
Virtual Reality
Haptics are gaining widespread acceptance as a key part of virtual reality systems, adding the sense
of touch to previously visual-only interfaces .Systems are being developed to use haptic interfaces for 3D
modeling and design, including systems that allow holograms to be both seen and felt.
Video Games
Haptic technology is commonly used in arcade games , especially racing video games. Simple
haptic devices are common in the form of game controllers , joysticks, and steering wheels. The Sony Play
Station 5 controllers can adapt the resistance of the trigger controls, such as simulating the increasing
resistance felt while drawing the string of a bow, as well as more precise haptic feedback through voice coil
actuators.
8. USES OF HAPTIC TECHNOLOGY
Product Design
Through touch optimization, haptic technology can improve the user experience in many
ways. Haptics will also play a prominent role in automotive infotainment systems. Touch screens can
become more responsive and provide multiple settings based on the driver's preference. Other additional
automotive applications include pedal feedback and steering wheel enhancement.
Wellness
The advances in wearable haptics offer great opportunities within the health industry. Real-time
haptics gathers biometric data and can adjust the user experience to suit the user .
Automotive
With the introduction of large touchscreen control panels in vehicle dashboards, haptic feedback technology is
used to provide confirmation of touch commands without needing the driver to take their eyes off the road. Additional
contact surfaces, for example the steering wheel or seat, can also provide haptic information to the driver, for example,
a warning vibration pattern when close to other vehicles.
