MIT takes a hands-on approach to tactile learning

Some folks prefer to get a grip on things to better understand concepts. Researchers have developed smart gloves for tactile learners that use haptic feedback and AI to teach users new skills, fast-track precision training and control robots remotely.C… Continue reading MIT takes a hands-on approach to tactile learning

SAWSense tech turns almost any surface into a tactile interface

Using touchscreens or pushbuttons to control devices isn’t always practical, and voice commands may not work in loud environments. A new system offers an alternative, in that it utilizes acoustic waves which travel across the surface of existing object… Continue reading SAWSense tech turns almost any surface into a tactile interface

Haptic hydrogel “skin” simulates touch in VR and AR

While technology is making major strides in absorbing our eyes and ears in virtual worlds, it’s harder to engage senses like touch. Engineers at the City University of Hong Kong have now developed WeTac, a thin, wearable electronic “skin” that provides… Continue reading Haptic hydrogel “skin” simulates touch in VR and AR

Piezoelectric tech allows tactile sensations to be sent and received

Although there already are experimental “telehaptic” systems that allow people to send and receive tactile sensations, they tend to be rather bulky and awkward. A new one is much slimmer and thus more practical, thanks to the use of piezoelectric mater… Continue reading Piezoelectric tech allows tactile sensations to be sent and received

Ultrasound-based system lets users feel VR worlds in their mouths

Along with providing users with sights and sounds, some VR systems also deliver tactile sensation to the hands. A new ultrasound-based setup, however, lets users feel the virtual world on and in their mouths – without making physical contact.Continue R… Continue reading Ultrasound-based system lets users feel VR worlds in their mouths

Self-powered implant could restore sense of touch to injured fingers

When someone injures a nerve in a body part such as a finger, it’s not uncommon for that part to end up with a permanently decreased sense of touch. A self-powered implantable sensor, however, could one day restore sensitivity to such injured areas.Con… Continue reading Self-powered implant could restore sense of touch to injured fingers

Print Chess Pieces, then Defeat the Chess-Playing Printer

Chess is undoubtedly a game of the mind. Sadly, some of the nuances are lost when you play on a computer screen. When a game is tactile, it carries a different gravity. Look at a poker player shuffling chips, and …read more

Continue reading Print Chess Pieces, then Defeat the Chess-Playing Printer

Device may allow the deaf to "hear through their fingertips"

Amongst the challenges faced by the deaf is what’s known as the “cocktail party effect,” in which they have difficulty discerning one speaker’s voice from others in crowded, noisy environments. A new device could help, however – by buzzing tw… Continue reading Device may allow the deaf to "hear through their fingertips"