Haptiques

Haptiques, or haptics, is the study and application of touch-based feedback in human–computer and human–machine interaction. The field covers tactile feedback, which conveys sensations to the skin (such as vibration, texture, pressure), and kinesthetic feedback, which communicates forces, motion, and weight through joints and muscles. Together, these modalities allow a user to perceive simulated contact, texture, and resistance when interacting with digital or remote systems.

Technologies include actuators and sensors embedded in devices like handheld controllers, haptic gloves, exoskeletons, or even tactile skins on surfaces. Tactile devices use vibration motors, piezoelectric elements, or electro-tactile stimulation to reproduce surface properties; kinesthetic devices apply forces via motors, pneumatics, or series elastic actuators to change perceived stiffness, weight, or resistance. Surface or mid-air haptics can generate tactile cues without direct contact using ultrasound or air jets.

Applications span virtual reality, gaming, medical simulation, teleoperation and robotic surgery, rehabilitation, and prosthetics. In consumer electronics, haptics provide tactile feedback for keyboards, steering wheels, and mobile devices, improving usability and immersion.

Challenges include latency, resolution, and bandwidth limitations that affect realism; safety, comfort, power consumption, and device size; and the need for standardized metrics and evaluation methods. Ongoing research aims to create more natural, high-fidelity, and energy-efficient haptic experiences, expanding accessibility in education, accessibility tools, and industry.