E-Textiles and Haptics
Lately, we have been loving exploring the connection between e-textiles and other technologies. E-textiles have a wide range of functionality on their own. However, when paired with additional technologies, they are even more powerful. Haptics are an interesting add-on we would like to discuss.
What Are Haptics?
Haptics is the science of applying tactile sensation and control(s) to interaction. Haptics are a large component in many human-machine interface applications. How it works is, typically, a device is used to input data. From that input, users receive feedback that can be felt in various parts of the body. A common example of haptics is that buzz you get when you receive a notification on your phone.
More Examples
There are many more examples of haptics, here are some of our favorites:
Teslasuit
The Teslasuit is a full body wearable that monitors human behavior and improves performance. The suit’s full body haptic feedback system uses Electro Muscle Stimulation (or EMS), as well as Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation to simulate real human emotion and sensations. As for what this suit can provide to consumers and researchers; it can enhance immersive experiences, build muscle memory, and aid in deep learning environments. We love how the Teslasuit can not only be used for recreational purposes, but therapeutic purposes too. The company also has a glove that incorporates haptic feedback, finger tracking, and biometrics to aid users in experiencing virtual reality.
The Touch
Created by 3D Systems, The Touch is a device that applies haptic feedback onto the user’s hand and produces realistic sensations while manipulating 3D objects on a screen. This device can be used by designers to improve design workflows, conduct skills assessment, map movement, and many more functions. The great part about this device is that it is portable and can move with your workspace.
D-Box
If you have ever been to an IMAX movie, there is a good chance you have sat in a D-Box seat. This one is a fun application, and each seat utilizes over 65,000 haptic movements, vibrations, and textures that are synchronized with movies. This technology enhances the movie-goers' experience by making them feel like they are in the movie.
E-Textile and Haptics Applications
E-textiles, like our Loomia Electronic Layer (LEL), are a great complement to haptics technology because they offer capabilities that are often found working alongside this technology. For example, e-textile sensors can work together with haptics to assist in communications between a textile-based product and a computer or other object. E-textiles can also be used as a separate addition to a haptics device. The LEL heating capability could add comfort to a therapeutic haptic wearable, or a haptic memory vest like the one Nicole Padilla made that featured our heater prototyping part. Additionally, e-textile lighting can be used to provide an interesting safety feature to products.
The combination of e-textiles and haptics is a particularly exciting one because it could lead to many advancements in how we treat conditions, or how we perceive things. Or, how we interpret and use data from our body. This could potentially change the way we work and live forever. Just think: you could have a wearable device utilizing e-textiles, haptics, and VR that allows you to be present in office meetings when you are working from home. With this wearable, you could receive notifications with various tasks throughout the day—all from a piece of clothing you wear. This is just one of many possibilities, and believe us when we say the possibilities are endless.
More articles to enjoy!
E-Textiles and Artificial Intelligence
E-Textiles in Therapeutic Applications