Revolutionary Haptic Technology Breakthrough by University of California, San Diego Team
TapTechNews June 30th news, a research team at the University of California, San Diego has made a major breakthrough in the field of haptic technology. They have developed a revolutionary electronic device that can realistically simulate the pressure and vibration sensation on the skin without causing any discomfort. This technology is expected to provide a more immersive interactive experience for virtual reality, prosthetics, and wearable devices.
TapTechNews noticed that the device is composed of a soft, stretchable electrode and a silicone patch that can adhere to the skin like a sticker. The electrode directly touches the skin and is connected to an external power source through a wire.
The electrode design takes into account both flexibility and targeted stimulation. The researchers used laser cutting technology to make the electrode into a spring-like concentric circle pattern so that it can stretch and conform to the movement of the body. This design ensures the best ductility of the electrode and the accurate transfer of current, which can effectively avoid any pain felt by the wearer.
By sending a weak electrical current to the skin, the device can simulate various haptic feelings, from slight pressure to obvious vibration. The frequency of the electrical signal determines whether the user feels pressure or vibration.
The main difference between this technology and the existing technology is its unique electrode design. Existing haptic technologies usually use rigid metal electrodes, which is prone to discomfort and even pain due to poor skin adhesion and uneven current distribution.
In contrast, this new type of electrode is made of a soft and stretchable polymer and can fit the skin seamlessly. This eliminates the air gap and ensures the stable and comfortable transfer of current.
The device uses a new type of polymer material, which is a unique mixture of two common polymers. One is PEDOT:PSS, which has excellent conductivity but is inherently stiff, and the other is PPEGMEA, which is known for its flexibility but lacks conductivity.
One of the co-authors of the study, Rachel Blau, said: By optimizing the ratio of these (polymer structural units), we have designed a material with both conductivity and stretchability at the molecular level.
Researchers recruited 10 participants and wore the device on their forearms for testing. They also collaborated with behavior scientists and psychologists from the University of Amsterdam to determine the lowest detectable current level and to induce different haptic feelings such as pressure or vibration by adjusting the current frequency.
Abdulhameed Abdal, a Ph.D. student at University of California, San Diego and another co-first author of the study, said: We found that as the frequency of the current increases, the vibration sens ation felt by the participants will be stronger, and the pressure sensation will be weakened. This is very interesting because from a biophysical perspective, we still don't know how the current is sensed by the skin.
This new technology is expected to promote the further development of haptic devices and bring widespread applications in the fields of virtual reality, medical prosthetics, and wearable devices. In virtual reality, haptic feedback can allow users to feel the objects in the virtual world, thereby bringing a more immersive experience. In the field of prosthetics, the haptic device can help users restore some of the lost haptic sense. In the field of wearable devices, haptic feedback can provide a new way to interact with the device.
Although further R & D is still needed, this innovative achievement marks an important step forward for haptic technology.