High-fidelity touch has the
potential to significantly expand the scope of what we expect from computing
devices, making new remote sensory experiences possible. The research on these
advancements, led by a pair of researchers from the Department of Mechanical
Engineering at Texas A&M University, could help touchscreens simulate
virtual shapes. Researchers are studying friction at the finger-device level
and friction in the interaction between single skin cells and the glass of the
touchscreen interface. The two are bringing together their respective areas of
expertise to apply friction principles at the microscopic level to
finger-device interaction mechanics. Researchers highlighted the significance
of the pursuit by comparing it to the technologies currently available for
conveying immersive and accurate information through high-fidelity audio and
video.
Another application of this
technology, which has received high levels of interest recently, is the augmentation
of immersive virtual environments, such as the proposed metaverse. The team is
working to show that it is possible to mimic the unique mechanical and thermal
sensations associated with different surface textures and shapes. Their recent
publication in the journal Science Robotics demonstrates the potential for
translating these sensations on a touchscreen by using temperature variation
alone, rather than expressing them through ultrasonic vibrations or electro
adhesion methods. Another exciting development is that their research has shown
that it is possible to localize the friction to the outer layer of the skin
and, at least at swipe speeds, control friction without making the device feel
hot.
More information:
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/03/220303162037.htm