July 2007
The Feel of Water
Haptics researchers in Japan bring fluidity to virtual-touch technology.
By Rachel Ross
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A virtual kayaker views a river (above), while oars convey "feel" via a haptic interface (not shown). For virtual fishing, a fishing rod is attached to a sphere on a desktop interface that offers resistance via motorized wires.
Credit: Katsuhito Akahane |
Most research on virtual-touch technology, or haptics, has focused on giving people the sensation that they're feeling solid objects. Now researchers in Japan are developing ways to simulate the subtle feel of flowing water--inching us closer to the day when virtual-reality aficionados can enjoy the sensations of, say, rowing a boat or stirring a drink.
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Massachusetts Institute of Technology