Video: Ultrahaptics Advances Touch-Less Tactile Technology

Video: Ultrahaptics Advances Touch-Less Tactile Technology

LOS ANGELES — The evolution of the man/machine interface, known as haptics, is taking a new twist — where the “touch” of technology is now going touch-less, thanks to the efforts of upstart Ultrahaptics.

According to the company, Ultrahaptics has developed a unique technology that enables users to receive tactile feedback without needing to wear or touch anything. The technology uses ultrasound to project sensations through the air and directly onto the user, which can “feel” touch-less buttons, get feedback for mid-air gestures, or interact with virtual objects.

Founded in 2013 based on technology originally developed at the University of Bristol, Ultrahaptics is on the forefront of developing tactile tech for top tier companies, and has recently launched an evaluation program across multiple markets to explore the applications and future of this next-level interface, which is the perfect complement to the coming wave of immersive Virtual Reality environments.

Ultrahaptics creates tactile sensations in mid-air, allowing users to feel without touching, and without using gloves or other attachments — since the feeling is projected directly onto the user’s bare hands — imparting what many users will consider to be “a magical experience.”

This revolutionary technology enables tactile cues for gestures, and the ability to feel invisible interfaces, textures, virtual objects and more.

Co-developer Professor Sriram Subramanian told Reuters that the Ultrahaptics technology relies on a principle known as acoustic radiation force.

“If you go to a night club or a rock concert, you feel the music in your chest. It’s the same principal — you feel the sound vibrating your chest,” Subramanian explains. “Instead of using the bass sounds, what we use is low frequency ultrasound — about 40 kHz — and that way we can target it at a precise point on your finger tip or on your palm, and then you feel the palm vibrate and it feels precise as well.”

Subramanian notes that as Virtual Reality systems roll out, there is a tendency towards wanting to do things touch-less, to immerse users in the virtual realm more fully.

“One of the advantages of having a touch-less system is that the interaction comes to you,” Subramanian says. “Instead of going and touching the light switch, you just wave your hand and the light comes on. And this is going to be ubiquitous, and as it becomes ubiquitous, people are going to need this kind of tactile feedback.”

While not touted as one of the markets where Ultrahaptics will take hold, adult entertainment is likely among the arenas where its potential may be most welcome. This is especially true when considering the reluctance of many consumers to insert their manhood into a mechanical device — making a touch-less touch an ideal compromise that may soon be coming to a virtual realm near you.

Related:  

Copyright © 2024 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Justices Alito, Thomas Invoke Victorian-Era Morality Law, Raising Censorship Concerns

Several national publications reported this week on widespread concern among Free Speech advocates after U.S. Supreme Court Justices Samuel Alito and Clarence Thomas repeatedly invoked during a hearing the infamous segregation-era law the Comstock Act, which was the cornerstone of U.S. censorship of sexual material from the 1870s until the 1970s.

Skinfluential Management's FansFuel Acquires Fanwire

Creator stats and affiliate marketing platform FansFuel has acquired creator account management tool Fanwire.

Nebraska AV Bill Moves Forward Despite Privacy, Free Speech Concerns

Nebraska’s unicameral Legislature has given first-round approval to LB 1092, the state’s version of the age verification bills being sponsored around the country by anti-porn religious conservative activists.

AEBN Celebrates 25th Anniversary

The Adult Entertainment Broadcast Network (AEBN) is celebrating its 25th year in business this week.

Performers in Meta Blacklisting Lawsuit Seek to Preserve Antitrust Claims

Adult Performance Artists Guild board officers Alana Evans, Kelly Pierce and Ruby have informed a California court that, although they want to drop their lawsuit claiming that Meta conspired with OnlyFans to blacklist rival premium fan platforms’ talent, they may still pursue antitrust claims in the future.

FSC, Co-Plaintiffs to Ask US Supreme Court to Review Constitutionality of Texas Age Verification Law

Free Speech Coalition (FSC) and its co-plaintiffs in the challenge to Texas’ controversial age verification law have petitioned the United States Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit to stay its recent decision upholding the law, because they intend to appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court to review the law’s constitutionality.

FSC Vows to Fight Florida Age Verification Law

Free Speech Coalition (FSC) has issued a statement vowing to continue fighting Florida’s new age verification law, which was signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis on Monday as part of a comprehensive bill targeting minors’ use of social media.

Kansas Republican Aims to Create New Bureaucracy to 'Investigate' Porn Websites

Republican state legislators succeeded Monday in moving forward Kansas’ version of the age verification bills being sponsored around the country by anti-porn religious conservative activists, despite serious concerns raised by House Democrats about the cost of establishing a new bureaucracy tasked with investigating websites for pornographic content.

SK Intertainment Launches 'Skinfluential Management' Agency, FansFuel Joint Venture

Mr. Skin/Mr. Man parent company SK Intertainment has launched new creator agency Skinfluential Management, as well as a new joint venture with Showbizz Media's creator stats and affiliate marketing platform, FansFuel.

Industry Attorney, Free Speech Champion Clyde DeWitt Passes Away at 75

Noted industry attorney Clyde DeWitt passed away on Friday in Las Vegas at 75, according to friends and colleagues.

Show More