Researchers at the Northwestern University, located in Illinois, United States, have developed a compact, wireless, wearable device that mimics the full range of human touch.
Unlike typical haptic devices that rely on simple vibrations, this new tech applies dynamic forces—twisting, sliding, stretching, and pressing—to achieve a more lifelike feel.
The secret lies in full freedom-of-motion (FOM) actuators, which move in any direction and activate multiple skin sensors at once.
Consisting of a small rechargeable battery and bluetooth capabilities, the device can be worn anywhere on the body or integrated with virtual reality (VR) headsets, smartphones, and other wearables.
Potential use cases include enhancing virtual experiences, providing tactile feedback during remote healthcare visits, and aiding navigation for people with visual impairments. It can even simulate textures for online shopping or translate music into physical sensations for the hearing-impaired.
Utilizing built-in motion sensors, the system responds to movement and orientation, offering a new level of realism and interactivity in digital environments.