Haptic Technology - A Sense of Touch

B. Divya Jyothi, R. V. Krishnaiah

Abstract: Haptics is the science of applying touch (tactile) sensation and control to interact with computer applications. Haptic device gives people a sense of touch with computer generated environments, so that when virtual objects are touched, they seem real and tangible. Haptic technology refers to technology that interfaces the user with a virtual environment via the sense of touch by applying forces, vibrations, and/or motions to the user. This mechanical stimulation may be used to assist in the creation of virtual objects (objects existing only in a computer simulation), for control of such virtual objects, and to enhance the remote control of machines and devices. This paper includes how haptic technology works, about its devices, its technologies, its applications, future developments and disadvantages.

Keywords: Human sense of touch, tactile feedback, Virtual object creation and control, Phantam, Haptic rendering