Researchers from Northwestern University (USA) have unveiled an innovative device that takes haptic sensations in virtual reality to a new level. Unlike standard vibration motors, this technology conveys complex tactile sensations such as pressure, sliding and twisting.
The team, led by Professor John A. Rogers has developed a miniaturised actuator capable of acting on the skin in different directions and combining different types of movements.
“Most haptic devices only push the skin, but they can perceive much more complex sensations. We created a tiny actuator that can move the skin in any direction and combine movements,” Rogers explains.
The fingertip-sized device takes into account the work of mechanoreceptors – sensory cells in the skin that are located at different depths and respond to different stimuli. This allows the user to feel the difference between smooth silk and rough fabric while shopping online.
The working principle of the device is based on a simple but effective technology. A small magnet is fixed in wire coils connected to a battery. When current passes through the coils, a magnetic field is created which moves, pushes, pulls or twists the Magnet. Using several of these actuators allows a wide range of sensations to be reproduced.
The device has an accelerometer that tracks the speed and direction of hand movement, making haptic feedback more realistic. It works wirelessly, connects via Bluetooth and has an inbuilt battery.
The applications of this technology go far beyond the gaming industry. It can help visually impaired people navigate and interact with digital content. In one experiment, the system converted music sounds into physical touches, allowing the user to distinguish between tones and instruments based on the direction of vibration.
This development is an important step towards full sensory feedback in VR environments, complementing the realistic audio and video we are used to when using virtual reality headsets.