Haptic TechnologiesLiam Thompson

IDEA WIKI week 5

Haptic Technology

Haptic Technology is the study of making technology such as virtual reality and games seem more realistic (my definition of it), Examples of what Haptic Technology can do include:

• Shocks and Vibrations such as the rumble pack in the Nintendo 64 controller.

• Control of temperature to create a more realistic environment, for example it would project the water as being cold.

The word Haptic comes from a Greek term meaning to touch.

Where is Haptic Tech used?

Haptic Technology is can be used in a variety of things such as:

• Virtual Reality• Video Games• Robotics• Medicine• Art and Design• Literature

Virtual reality + Video Games

Haptic technology in this field is used to make things more realistic. For example having a vibration mechanism which is triggered by large explosions in video games.

This technology allows for a useful training exercise for police/army recruits in high risk situations, for example a virtual reality simulation may be programmed to test the army’s response to a terrorist attack.

In order to experience virtual reality the user must wear a virtual reality device such as a virtual reality gloves, pads, helmets etc.

MedicineThe main advantage or effect Haptic Technology has had on Medicine is the

ability to train doctors/surgeons in virtual reality simulations.

For example less experienced surgeons may conduct virtual reality operations to minimize mistakes and train themselves to become better.

“Robot-aided neurorehabilitation is a sensory-motor rehabilitation technique based on the use of robots and mechatronic devices”

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rehabilitation_robotics

This is used to help patients

with motor disabilities increase movement.

For example

Robotics

Haptic Technologies in relation to Robotics are designed to make robots more human like in the sense that it allows the robot to feel things such as temperature, pain and sometimes emotions (no idea how that works).

I found an article on a fan website that shows some a Japanese robot that has the function to love, unfortunately I cant seem to find it again but If you would like to have a look u can search for it here,

http://www.escapistmagazine.com/global/search/?q=robot+that+can+feel+love&cx=005672590579257297818%3Amkmrjhvsnwa&cof=FORID%3A9&ie=UTF8&sa.x=0&sa.y=0&sa=Search#1491

Art and Design

Haptic Technologies allow for a better way to manipulate things by touch. For example touch screens can be used to rotate and re-size images/photos.

“Designers and modelers may use high-degree of freedom input devices which give touch feedback relating to the "surface" they are sculpting or creating, allowing faster and more natural workflow than with traditional methods. “

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haptic_technology#Computer_and_video_games

That’s a good touch screen……

THE END

By Liam Thompson