Start-up Ultrahaptics, based in Silicon Valley, is introducing the sense of touch into the digital environment. By using ultrasound vibrations and algorithms they have managed to simulate tactile sensations. This enables users to touch, feel and interact with invisible virtual objects which are floating mid-air. Will this be the next big and disruptive innovation, as it has so many possible applications?
Tom Carter and Sriram Subramanian founded Ultrahaptics back in 2013 (Ultrahaptics, 2017). Initially, it was a research project of Tom Carter, but together with his computer-science professor Subramanian they developed a real company and technology out of it. The idea was already decades ago, but the software part used to be too difficult or too restricted at the time (Kahn, 2016). But how does it work?
Essentially, it is a combination of complex algorithms and ultrasound frequencies. Ultrasound frequencies are audio frequencies that lie beyond the range of human hearing, which is usually limited to an upper range of 20kHz (Schroeter, 2017). Ultrahaptics uses a frequency of 40kHz, but modulates it at a frequency that is within the perceptual range of feeling (generally very low frequencies). This modulation can be set to the preferences and requirements of a button, for example, to create different sensations. The feeling sensation is seemingly very similar to that of a puff of air (Ziegler, 2016). The software, in turn, determines the focal point of the button by programmed three-dimensional coordinates.
While haptic technology, mostly mechanical, has been around for some time, touchless haptic technology can provide a new range of applications able to change our lives drastically. For example, the technology is already being implemented in the control systems of Jaguar Land Rover (Kahn, 2016). Other potential disruptive applications include technology accessibility for the deaf and blind, quicker and easier access to control personal devices (e.g. smartphones), more hygienic controlling of sanitaries and generally a more intuitive way to control systems.
For now, touchless haptics are still in the developing phase. However, the haptic technology industry is expected to be worth over 22 billion USD by 2022. Together with a substantial amount of funding and the endless amount of possibilities it brings, the prospects of Ultrahaptics are very promising. What do you think? Are touchless haptics the next big thing or are there too many limitations?
References:
Ultrahaptics, (2017). Retrieved September 22, 2017, from https://www.ultrahaptics.com/
Kahn, J. (2016, February 3). Meet the Man Who Made Virtual Reality ‘Feel’ More Real. Retrieved September 22, 2017, from https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2016-02-03/uk-startup-ultrahaptics-is-making-virtual-reality-feel-more-real
Schroeter, J. (2017, March 9). The Future of Touchscreen is.. Touchless. Retrieved September 22, 2017, from https://technicacuriosa.com/2017/03/09/the-future-of-touchscreen-is-touchless/
Ziegler, C. (2016, January 8). Touchless haptic feedback completely freaked me out at CES. Retrieved September 22, 2017, from https://www.theverge.com/2016/1/8/10738792/harman-touchless-ultrasonic-haptic-feedback-ces-2016
