Haptics refers to technology and science related to the sense of touch. It involves creating an experience of touch by applying forces, vibrations, or motions to a user, allowing interaction with virtual or remote objects through tactile feedback
. Key aspects of haptics:
- Definition: Haptics is the science of transmitting and understanding information through the sense of touch. The term originates from the Greek word haptesthai , meaning "to touch"
- How it works: The human skin contains touch receptors connected to the somatosensory system, which sends signals to the brain about sensations like pressure, texture, temperature, and pain. Haptic technology stimulates these receptors to convey information, similar to how audio and visuals stimulate hearing and sight
- Technology: Haptic devices use mechanical methods such as vibrating motors (e.g., eccentric rotating mass actuators) to create sensations. These sensations can vary in complexity to communicate different information, such as the texture or weight of virtual objects or alerts in devices like smartphones and game controllers
- Applications: Haptics enhances virtual reality, remote control of machines (telerobotics), gaming, mobile phone interactions (like vibrations when pressing buttons), training simulators, and more. It allows inanimate objects to simulate the feeling of real objects and communicate with users through touch
- Difference from simple vibration: While vibration is a form of tactile sensation, haptic feedback is more complex and intentional, designed to convey specific information rather than just a continuous or monotonous vibration
In summary, haptics is the technology and science of recreating the sense of touch through mechanical feedback, enabling more immersive and interactive experiences in digital and remote environments
