A Review of Surface Haptics: Enabling Tactile Effects on Touch Surfaces

IEEE Trans Haptics. 2020 Jul-Sep;13(3):450-470. doi: 10.1109/TOH.2020.2990712. Epub 2020 Apr 27.

Abstract

In this article, we review the current technology underlying surface haptics that converts passive touch surfaces to active ones (machine haptics), our perception of tactile stimuli displayed through active touch surfaces (human haptics), their potential applications (human-machine interaction), and finally, the challenges ahead of us in making them available through commercial systems. This article primarily covers the tactile interactions of human fingers or hands with surface-haptics displays by focusing on the three most popular actuation methods: vibrotactile, electrostatic, and ultrasonic.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Computers, Handheld*
  • Feedback, Sensory*
  • Humans
  • Touch Perception*
  • Touch*
  • User-Computer Interface*