OpenHaptics

OpenHaptics is a software development kit (SDK) that enables developers to create applications with tactile feedback using haptic devices. It provides libraries and sample code to interface with haptic hardware, manage force rendering, and integrate 3D graphics with force feedback.

The toolkit's core components include the HDAPI (Haptic Device API), which exposes low-level control over haptic devices, and the HLAPI (High-Level API), which abstracts away device details to simplify scene creation and interaction. Together, they allow developers to build real-time haptic applications such as surgical simulators, dental drills, or virtual fixtures.

OpenHaptics originated with SensAble Technologies for their Phantom line of haptic devices and later became part of the product line of the company that acquired SensAble's assets. The SDK supports multiple operating systems, enabling cross-platform development on Windows and macOS (and, in some versions, Linux), and includes drivers and device configuration tools.

Applications can programmatically define contact models, stiffness, damping, and dynamic responses to create realistic tactile sensations, as well as integrate haptics with graphics and input devices for interactive 3D scenes. Deployment typically involves linking against the OpenHaptics libraries, incorporating sample code, and using the provided configuration utilities to select device profiles and calibrate sensors.

The toolkit is used in academic research, medical simulation, and industrial training where tactile feedback enhances realism and precision. Licensing is proprietary, distributed under terms set by the producer, with documentation and developer support provided by the vendor.