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haptic devices

Technology that provides force feedback, allowing users to physically “feel” virtual or remote environments. Used in surgical robots and VR systems to transmit touch sensations.


Haptic devices are tools that simulate touch and physical sensation by providing force feedback to the user's hand or body—making virtual or distant objects feel real.

How It Works

The device:
  1. Senses your hand movements and commands
  2. Transmits those to a virtual environment or remote robot
  3. Receives feedback about resistance, texture, or contact
  4. Applies forces back to your hand so you "feel" what's happening

User Hand ←→ Haptic Device ←→ Virtual/Remote Environment
(force feedback)

Common Applications

Medical Surgery:
  1. Surgeon operates a remote robotic arm
  2. Feels tissue resistance and textures
  3. Improves precision and safety
  4. Example: da Vinci surgical system
Virtual Reality (VR):
  1. Feel virtual objects as if touching them
  2. Sense weight, texture, temperature
  3. Enhanced immersion in games or training
Teleoperation:
  1. Remote-controlled robots
  2. Construction or hazardous environment work
  3. Operator feels what the robot touches

What You Can Feel

  1. Force/resistance - pushing against an object
  2. Texture - smooth vs. rough surfaces
  3. Weight - heaviness of objects
  4. Temperature - hot or cold sensations
  5. Vibration - impact or contact

Real-World Example

A surgeon using a haptic surgical robot can:
  1. See the patient on a screen
  2. Feel tissue tension through the controller
  3. Sense resistance when cutting
  4. Receive warnings if applying too much force

Key Advantage

Presence and realism - Users feel connected to remote or virtual environments rather than just watching, enabling safer and more intuitive control.













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Contents How It Works Common Applications What You Can Feel Real-World Example Key Advantage