What is Haptic Technology and How Does it Work

Haptic technology is an innovative process that artificially builds touch sensations when computers and humans interact. It is based on the utilization of haptics. This innovation serves the purpose of making communication simple yet engaging. For this technology to work, it depends on haptic feedback. This involves the application of motions, vibrations, as well as force. It makes use of several approaches, such as ERM/eccentric rotating mass actuator and linear resonant actuators (LRA). Besides, it utilizes haptic modalities, ranging from button stimulation to vibrations for creating sensations. A thorough understanding of how this technology works can further clarify these approaches, in addition to its beneficial applications.

What is Haptic Technology?

Haptic technology is a type of approach that creates an experience or sense of touch. For this, it applies motions, vibrations, as well as forces to a user. In other words, this technology forms a sensation of artificial touch when the user interacts with it.

An Overview of Haptics

Originating from the Greek term “haptein”, haptics indicates the science through which a sense of touch/control is applied to interact with computer apps. Through this science, an extra dimension is added to a 3D or VR/virtual reality environment. Note that it is a vital component to make such an environment immersive.

What is the Purpose of Haptic Technology?

Communicating with a user is the primary purpose of haptic technology. Keep in mind that communication is essential for various reasons. For the goal of teaching, entertaining, training, etc., the exchange of information is vital. The use of this technology effectively facilitates these goals by enabling inanimate things to induce a sense of touch.

How Does Haptic Technology Work?

Haptic technology works by providing haptic feedback. For this, it applies motions, force, as well as vibrations. Via such sensations, interactions between users and devices take place. These types of touch experiences are created mechanically by utilizing different ways.

Common Approaches to Create Sensations

Considering the functioning of haptic technology, to induce vibrations, motions, or even forces, an ERM or eccentric rotating mass actuator is put into use. Keep in mind that it is common to exercise this approach. The actuator spins continuously. As a result, an unstable force is generated via its weight. Consequently, the motor begins to move in order to ensure haptic feedback.

The next approach to providing haptic feedback involves using LRA or linear resonant actuators. They comprise magnets connected with springs. They are coiled and guarded by an external layer. In order to move the magnetic mass back and forth, it is vital to energize this electromagnetic coil. Thus, a feedback sensation is formed. The overall experiences delivered are highly immersive.

Emergence of New Technologies

While LRA and ERM are common approaches to generate haptic feedback, new ones are emerging too. Their evolution is expected to make them further accessible as well as realistic. Overall, haptic technology works through a device. As it engages in applying pressure or force, it produces sensations.

4 Main Types of Haptic Modalities

Concerning how haptic technology works, there are 4 types of haptic modalities that are essential to look at. These include stimulation through buttons, thermal, vibration, and kinesthetic modalities. It is to note that this technology works through the use of these tactile sensations.

• Button stimulation uses audio/haptic feedback to include the sense of mechanical pressure pads under a user’s fingers.
• The vibration modality utilizes LRA or linear resonant actuators and ERM or eccentric rotating mass to deliver a sense of touch.
• Temperature-related experiences are created through the thermal modality. It controls electric currents to provide such experiences.
• The kinesthetic modality mounts on the bodies of users. It induces the sensation of shapes, mass, and movements.

How Does the Sense of Touch Work?

Skin comprises multiple nerve endings in addition to touch receptors. Together, they form the somatosensory system. This system notifies the brain about any sensations felt via touch receptors, whether painful, cold, hot, or any other.

The neurons closest to the receptors receive such messages. As a chain of neurons conveys it to one another, the brain receives the information in less than a second. Accordingly, the body reacts as per the sensation. Understanding this functioning, the haptic technology functions to create sensations and enable users to feel them.

What are the Benefits of Haptic Technology?

Considering the benefits of haptic technology, since it creates a sense of touch, it is apt for users with visual and hearing impairments. It can also offer the advantage of better precision and safety in different environments. This innovation has pros such as improved experiences for users in digital environments. Moreover, it endows brands with a competitive edge over others.

Improving Accessibility

Haptic technology is beneficial for individuals with auditory or visual impairments. It can offer them several ways for interacting with one or more digital devices. It is particularly of use when such an individual requires navigating touchscreen systems/devices.

Better Digital Experiences for Users

By employing haptic technology, users can obtain improved digital experiences. Within a digital environment, it adds a tactile dimension. It makes interactions between humans and devices more intuitive and immersive. As users interact, they extensively engage and receive greater satisfaction.

Superior Precision and Safety

One of the advantages of haptic technology is that it increases precision as well as safety. Across industries like healthcare, construction, automotive, etc., it levels up efficiency through tactile feedback. Thus, it minimizes errors, improves safety, and refines precision.

For instance, workers in the construction industry can benefit from haptic technology as it can alert them about possible hazards. Besides, in the medical sector, professionals like surgeons can gain more precision as they use this technology during surgical procedures.

Ensuring an Edge over Competitors

Considering haptic technology to be a new innovation, its utilization can make businesses more competitive. They can obtain an edge over competing companies by incorporating this technology’s functionalities in their processes or offerings.

A business can differentiate its products from others by adopting haptic technology.
As products become innovative, they appeal more to customers.
In the minds of customers, this can improve the perception of such a business.
Positive perceptions can further increase customer satisfaction.

Taking Everything into Account

Haptic technology is a useful invention for businesses. Functional through different modalities, it creates a sense of touch to make experiences next to real. It tends to the specific needs of a business and its users. Accordingly, it forms sensations to deliver immersive, engaging, and memorable experiences to individuals.