Haptic Technology
                     Haptic 
Technology
Introduction
• The definition of “haptics” in science and 
technology though, is more precise. It relates 
to the use of tactile sensations in interfaces. 
• Haptics is the science and technology of 
transmitting and understanding information 
through the sense of touch.
Source: www.ultraleap.com 2
HAPTIC EXAMPLES
• Sony’s DualSense Controller
• bHaptics’s haptic TactSuit
• Ultraleap’s ultrasonic STRATOS Inspire haptics system
• Apple’s Taptic Engine
• Lenovo’s haptics touchpad
• Apollo’s wearable wellness device
• Razer’s Nari Ultimate haptic headphones
• DropLabs’s EP 01 haptic shoes
• Womanizer’s air pressure vibrator
• Dame’s Eva vibrator
Source: builtin.com 3
Applications
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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.
Source: en.wikipedia.org 5
Art
• Haptic technologies have been explored in virtual 
arts, such as sound synthesis or graphic design and 
animation.
• Haptic technology was used to enhance existing art 
pieces in the Tate Sensorium exhibit in 2015.
• In music creation, Swedish synthesizer manufacturer 
Teenage Engineering introduced a haptic subwoofer 
module for their OP-Z synthesizer allowing musicians 
to feel the bass frequencies directly on their 
instrument.
Source: en.wikipedia.org 6
Aviation
• Force-feedback can be used to increase adherence to 
a safe flight envelope and thus reduce the risk of 
pilots entering dangerous states of flights outside the 
operational borders while maintaining the pilots' final 
authority and increasing their situation awareness.
Source: en.wikipedia.org 7
Medicine and dentistry
• Haptic interfaces for medical simulation are being 
developed for training in minimally invasive procedures 
such as laparoscopy and interventional radiology and for 
training dental students.
• A Virtual Haptic Back (VHB) was successfully integrated in 
the curriculum at the Ohio University College of 
Osteopathic Medicine.
• Haptic technology has enabled the development of 
telepresence surgery, allowing expert surgeons to operate 
on patients from a distance.
• As the surgeon makes an incision, they feel tactile and 
resistance feedback as if working directly on the patient.
Source: en.wikipedia.org 8
Mobile devices
• Tactile haptic feedback is common in cellular devices. 
In most cases, this takes the form of vibration 
response to touch. 
• Alpine Electronics uses a haptic feedback technology 
named PulseTouch on many of their touch-screen car 
navigation and stereo units.
• The Nexus One features haptic feedback, according to 
their specifications.
• Samsung first launched a phone with haptics in 2007.
Source: en.wikipedia.org 9
Neurorehabilitation
• For individuals with upper limb motor dysfunction, 
robotic devices utilizing haptic feedback could be 
used for neurorehabilitation. 
• Robotic devices, such as end-effectors, and both 
grounded and ungrounded exoskeletons have been 
designed to assist in restoring control over several 
muscle groups. 
• Haptic feedback applied by these robotic devices 
helps in the recovery of sensory function due to its 
more immersive nature.
Source: en.wikipedia.org 1
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Robotics
• Haptic feedback is essential to perform complex tasks 
via telepresence. The Shadow Hand, an advanced 
robotic hand, has a total of 129 touch sensors 
embedded in every joint and finger pad that relay 
information to the operator. 
• This allows tasks such as typing to be performed from 
a distance. An early prototype can be seen in NASA's 
collection of humanoid robots, or robonauts.
Source: en.wikipedia.org 1
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