New technology shakes electronic entertainment

UltraHaptics is a young company with great ambition: replacing the way people interact with electronic devices, with revolutionizing virtual reality (VR) technology by letting people 'feel the middle middle ' .

UltraHaptics - Super tactile technology

The technology of Bristol-based UltraHaptics Company relies on ultrasound to create three-dimensional shapes suspended in the air. Through sound waves, changes in air pressure create tactile surfaces that can be touched, but not visible. If coupled with another emerging technology, it has the potential to become a game changer.

Currently the "storm" called VR is increasingly blowing: names such as the Oculus Rift (now belonging to Facebook) and Magic Leap are leading the new trend, but some other companies are also ready to launch devices. Being in the field can revolutionize electronic entertainment. However, VR is still an incomplete experience without the emergence of technology being developed by UltraHaptics. The combination of these two technologies allows users to not only see the virtual world spreading before their eyes but also touch them. Director of UltraHaptics Tom Carter draws an impressive scenario: 'You can wear a VR device and not only see / hear the virtual world through eyes and headphones, but also feel what you see' , according to CNN.

Super tactile technology enhances the experience in the virtual world - (Photo: UltraHaptics)

The ability to create buttons and any shape anywhere anywhere really opens up countless possibilities compared to traditional devices. Imagine that you are driving and in front of you is a dashboard with no ugly buttons, switches or controls, but just a smooth and clean surface. When you need to listen to music, keep your hand in a certain place and touch the big sound button. Smart phones and other popular devices also benefit from new technology: controlling tools in the kitchen, watching TV and computers in the same way as Tom Cruise's Minority report , or even turn off the alarm early in the morning by waving. There are a few devices that have been manipulated by hand gestures, but UltraHaptics can add an extremely practical aspect, by creating emotions for the hand that is churning in the air.

Ultrasonic waves can be touched

To create virtual buttons, UltraHaptics uses a small set of ultrasound speakers. The sound is transmitted in the air by creating different pressures, so just focus a few different points into a single position, resulting in a small area of ​​high pressure. When you put your hand on this point, it will create a slight reaction force on your hand. 'We use this method and control it to create small vibrations on your skin, creating something similar to touch' , according to Carter Technology Director. With the current prototype, the smallest possible point is a circle with a diameter of 8.5mm, but it is possible to add shapes to this surface, creating different textures.

A number of other companies are also working on similar projects, like Elliptic Labs, and new technologies are getting more and more interested. Mr. Carter is confident that devices using UltraHaptics will be available within a year soon.