Haptics is defined as a technology that transmits tactile information using

sensations such as vibration, touch, and force feedback. Virtual reality systems and
real-world technologies use haptics to enhance interactions with humans. This
article covers the meaning, types, and importance of haptics.
What Are Haptics?
Haptic technology transmits tactile information using sensations such as
vibration, touch, and force feedback. Virtual reality systems and real-worth
technologies use haptics to enhance interactions with humans.
One of the goals of haptics is to allow a virtual reality system to make humans feel as
if the experiences it portrays are ‘real’. A commonplace haptic technology is mobile
phone vibrations during gaming to boost immersion.
Haptics leverage force and tactile feedback to enable users and computers to interface
with each other. The former simulates certain physical features of the object being
virtualized, such as pressure and weight. The latter portrays the object’s texture (for
instance, smoothness or roughness).

Touch receptors transmit sensations by conveying signals to the closest neuron, which
then signals the next closest neuron until the brain receives the signal. The brain then
determines the response to the sensation. This entire process takes under a second.
Audio and graphics stimulate our sense of sound and sight to transmit information.
Similarly, haptics stimulates our somatosensory system to pass on information and
provide context. For instance, when a user holds down an application icon on the app
tray of an Apple iPhone, their finger experiences a ‘pull’ sensation. The haptic motors
of the iPhone generate this sensation to communicate that the app is ready to be
moved, deleted, or categorized.
The vibrations, forces, and other movements of haptic systems are created
mechanically using different methods. The most common method is an eccentric
rotating mass (ERM) actuator. The rapid spinning of the ERM causes instability in the
force from the weight, leading to movements in the motor and, subsequently, haptic
feedback.
Linear resonant actuators (LRA) are another method to create haptic feedback. In this
method, a magnet joined with a spring is bound by a coil and secured using an outer
layer. The coil is electromagnetically energized to drive the magnetic mass to vibrate,
creating a feedback sensation.
Apart from LRA and ERM, other emerging technologies are also being used to
provide haptic feedback in more accessible and realistic ways. Experts use Haptics for
functions such as teaching, training, entertainment, and remote hands-on operations.

Types of Haptic Technologies

Haptics come in numerous types that are classified based on usage, feedback, and
modality. Let’s understand more about the types of haptic technologies.

Based on usage
1. Graspable
Graspable devices (think joysticks) are a standard haptic technology that generates
kinesthetic feedback. The tactical vibrations, movements, and resistance caused by
these devices enable users to increase immersion in gaming and even operate
robots more effectively in remote or virtual conditions.
Interesting examples of this technology in action include bomb disposal and space
exploration. In the latter use case, astronauts or on-ground personnel use haptics-
controlled robots to repair equipment (such as spacecraft parts or satellites) without
leaving the vessel or even Earth.
2. Touchable
Touchable haptic technology is prevalent in consumer applications; think smartphones
that respond to taps, rotations, and other user movements. Advances in the touchable
haptics space will soon enable the technology to replicate object movements and
textures (known as haptography).
For instance, companies could leverage programmable textures to allow customers to
feel clothing materials such as cotton or silk before purchasing, all from the comfort
of their homes.
3. Wearable
Wearable haptic technology simulates a sensation of contact by leveraging tactile
stimuli, including pressure, vibration, and even temperature.
A fast-emerging use case of wearable haptics is virtual reality (VR) gloves that mimic
real-world sensations and transmit and receive inputs from users controlling their
virtual avatars or remote robots.

Based on feedback
1. Force feedback
This form of haptics originated in the late 1960s, making it one of the oldest and most
well-studied types of this technology. It stimulates human skin, muscles, and
ligaments, unlike other haptics types that generally affect only the top layers of skin
receptors.
This type of haptics comes in two styles for emulating human body parts: biomimetic
and non-biomimetic. Biomimetic devices resemble human limbs in form and move
with them. An example is exoskeletons–devices that are an ‘addition’ to the human
body.
A constraint faced in the case of biomimetic devices is difficulty in development.
These devices need to replicate human limb movement and functionality for different
body sizes without hampering freedom of movement. This issue is not faced with non-
biomimetic devices, which are distinct from the human body.
Apart from form, force feedback equipment can be classified based on the direction of
the applied power. This classification includes active and resistive devices. The
former restrict user movement and leverages motors to drive activity. They can
simulate numerous interaction types and are generally robust but difficult to control.
The latter limit user movement using a brake system.
2. Vibrotactile feedback
This common type of haptics uses vibrostimulators that apply pressure to the human
skin. Vibrotactile feedback targets the skin’s definite receptors that resemble the
structure of onion layers and can sense vibrations of up to 1000 hertz.
These devices are economical, simple, and easy to control and power. They are
commonly seen in cell phones, game controllers, automobile steering wheels, and
smartwatches. However, vibrating motors have certain limitations–they are not ideal
for simulating a wide variety of sensations and can be hard to miniaturize efficiently.
A typical example of this feedback type in action can be seen in smartphones–the user
experiences a vibration that feels like a physical button being pressed when interacting
with the touchscreen.
3. Electrotactile feedback
Electrotactile stimulators apply electrical impulses that affect receptors as well as
nerve endings. These devices can transmit numerous sensations to users, some of
which cannot be produced by other feedback methods.
Haptics using this feedback methodology can take many forms based on the frequency
and intensity of the stimuli the human skin is subjected to. Sensations can occur based
on voltage, current, waveform, material, contact force, electrode size, skin type, and
even hydration.
Unlike vibrotactile or force feedback, electrotactile feedback systems do not rely on
moving mechanical parts. Another feature that sets these types of haptic devices apart
is the assembly of electrodes into compact arrays for implementing electrotactile
displays. As electrical signals serve the human nervous system’s basis, this haptic
feedback is highly suitable for simulating real-world sensations.
4. Ultrasonic tactile feedback
This haptic technology uses ultrasound emitters (high-frequency sound waves) to
generate subtle feedback. These devices use a transmission principle known as
acoustic time reversal, where the emitter’s location may differ from the intended
target for the signal on the human body.
Haptic feedback fields are helpful when ultrasound feedback needs to be transmitted
to body parts with a larger surface area. These fields combine several emitters to
create invisible but tangible interfaces of ultrasound waves in midair. These interfaces
create turbulence that the human skin can feel.
A vital advantage of this haptic technology is its independence from user-worn
accessories. However, this arrangement is often less economical than other haptic
feedback types.
5. Thermal feedback
Thermal feedback haptics leverage actuator grids in direct contact with the human
body. Thermoelectric diodes that rely on the Peltier effect are used in these systems.
Numerous tiny units or very precise placements of the stimulus to elicit the desired
simulation effect are not required here.
However, temperature management can be complex, as heat or cold cannot simply
disappear from any surface and must be transferred according to the law of energy
conservation. The transfer must also take place swiftly to ensure accurate simulation.
As such, these devices can be highly energy-intensive and complex.

Based on modality
1. Vibration
Vibration is a standard modality in most haptics. Technology such as eccentric
rotating mass and linear resonant actuators that have been discussed above fall under
this category. It is seen in wearables, mobile phones, controllers, and many other
device types.
However, not every vibrating device can be categorized under haptics. The distinction
lies in the intention and the complexity of the vibration patterns. Regular vibrating
devices usually emit a single waveform in a continuous, monotonous intensity for the
duration of the communication. On the other hand, haptics conveys information using
advanced waveforms.
Simply put, a sensation that conveys ‘general’ information rather than a ‘specific’
intent is a simple vibration. Think smartphones–a device vibrating during a call is
simply vibration. In contrast, a vibration of an exact intensity in a particular part of the
device during a gaming session can indicate specific information, such as a collision
in a racing game.
2. Kinesthetic
Haptics using this modality is mounted on the user’s body and simulate movement,
mass, and shape.
3. Button
Smart screens lack the familiar tactical feedback of mechanical buttons. Simulated
buttons leverage audio and haptic feedback to replicate the sensation of a mechanized
pressure pad under the user’s finger.

Importance of Haptics
Haptic technologies play an essential role in several industries. Following are the
everyday use cases for haptics.

1. The metaverse 2. Space exploration 3. Aviation

4. Automotive 5. Robot teleoperations 6. Healthcare 7. Entertainment

TESLASUIT

TESLASUIT’s full body haptic feedback system uses electro muscle stimulation
(EMS) and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) to simulate a range of
real-life feelings and sensations. Using this system, TESLASUIT can provide physical
feedback based on the visual simulation that may be experienced on a flat screen or
immersive reality devices (VR/AR headsets).

Follow the link, to learn how TESLASUIT can provide more immersive experiences,
build muscle memory, autocorrect physical training technique, assist in industrial
training and build deep learning environments.

TESLAGLOVE
This is our brand-new glove with Haptic Feedback. As the exoskeleton structure, the
glove repeats the anatomic shape of the human’s hand and enables some individual
size adjustment. The active force feedback technology can shift the fingers or limit
their movement, depending on the virtual or augmented reality simulations.

Electronic tactile displays for each finger emulate diverse sensations, create
perception of solid object texture and various surface types.