Touch & Feel Virtual Objects Using NHK Robotic System

The displays have gone past beyond awesomeness but they don't let us touch and feel the virtual objects. NHK's engineers have developed a new tactile system which allows you to touch and feel the edges and contours of the objects behind the digital screen. The system applies stimuli to about 5 points on one finger - which creates a feel as if you are touching a real object. NHK says that their system can create more realistic simulation compared to other systems currently available.


The system would be ideal for people with visual disability - through tactile or kinesthetic sense. It can communicate 3D shape or a 2D graph of an object displayed on tv as if it's being felt by a real human hand.

Engineers say that their robotic system (check video) tracks the spatial orientation of the edges and contours of the virtual object at a very high speed; about in 1/1000 of a second. The user can freely move his finger in space, but as soon as he/she tries to touch the virtual object the system will create appropriate resistance & sensation as if you're touching the object. For example, if the virtual body has a rough surface, the system will create the feeling of it using its robotic arms.

It looks like the technology will take some time to mature, but we see immense potential in it. Imagine that the advertisers will allow you to actually touch and feel the fabric or any product on eCommerce site. The game developers will be able to integrate this technology in the next generation of games and so on.

Does this technological advancement excite you? Share your views below.

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