Haptic feedback roundup

Sean Percival — Sat, 24 May 2008 04:40:00 +0000

Haptic feedback (sometimes referred to as tactile or force feedback) offers what some might call a brave new world of interaction and immersion. The 1932 book of the same name was probably the first introduction many people got to the idea of computer generated touch sensations. In the book, movies are replaced with what are called “feelies”; patrons sit in chairs that provide feedback throughout the screening.

While we don’t see this coming to your local megaplex any time soon, we are starting to see the technology creep into our lives. After the break lets take a look at some examples, talk about projects we’ve covered before, and how you can get started developing your own.

The Novint Falcon is one of the first mass produced and consumer friendly versions of a haptic feedback device. With force capabilities of 2lbs and a resolution of 400dpi the unit can interact with several software programs and video games. The unit sells for around $239 and includes several compatible games.

Some inventors like [Steve Yohanan] feel robots need better response to the basic human touch. His latest creation the Haptic Creature is a small bunny that responds to touch through pressure sensors and then responds. Different forms of touch result in the creature changing it’s breathing, purring, and of course wiggling its little bunny ears.

On the fun side of things, we have several toys making their way into the market with haptic feedback features built in. The Pleo being one for of the more advanced examples with it’s almost unlimited amount of responses and feedback. The toy itself is touted as something to interact with as opposed to simply control. UGOBE is also talking up its therapeutic value for both children and adults.

While some of this technology may seem out of reach of DIY, there is one organization trying to bring open source to the scene. Backed by SenseGraphic the H3D API is an open source initiative to help programmers interface with various haptic devices. Browse their hall of fame page to see what individuals and universities have done with the API. This PDF also provides a broad overview of the history of haptics.

We’ve covered a ton of haptic projects here on Hackaday: D’Groove a force feedback turntable, a personal haptic radar, a PSP with feedback, and even reverse engineering the Falcon we mentioned earlier.

[via Gizmodo]

Hack a Day » touchsensor

Haptic feedback roundup