haptic

Haptic technology, or haptics, refers to systems that create or augment the sense of touch by applying forces, vibrations, or motions to the user. The term derives from the Greek haptikos, meaning able to touch. Haptics covers kinesthetic feedback, which conveys force and motion to simulate weight and resistance, and tactile feedback, which stimulates skin receptors to convey texture or vibration.

How it works: actuators such as motors, voice-coil devices, piezoelectric elements, and electroactive polymers convert electrical signals into physical sensations. Control software maps digital information—such as object stiffness or contact events—into timed forces or vibrations. Sensors detect user actions, contact, or pose, enabling bidirectional interaction between person and device.

Applications include consumer electronics, gaming, and virtual reality, medical simulation, robotics, and prosthetics. Mobile phones use vibration motors for alerts; game controllers and VR peripherals provide force or tactile feedback; surgical simulators reproduce tissue feel; teleoperation and robotic grippers use haptic feedback to enhance control.

History has progressed from early research in the mid-20th century to wider adoption in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, with consumer devices such as vibration-enabled game controllers and smartphone haptics. Ongoing work aims to provide higher fidelity tactile displays, micro-actuators, and wearable haptics.

Challenges include latency, fidelity, energy consumption, size and cost, safety, and the need for standards and user experience guidelines. As devices become more capable, the goal is more immersive, natural, and comfortable touch experiences across applications.