Do you think you can feel the future?

Picture this: you reach out for a steaming cup of virtual coffee in augmented reality (AR). The visuals are spot-on, but as you grab it, you feel... nothing? Your senses immediately scream, "This isn’t real!"

Reality is deeply tied to the sense of touch, think of how many things you touch on a daily basis. 

It’s the primary medium as a cornerstone of human experience & to bridge the sensory gap, we have the world of haptics in the world of AR!

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So what is Haptics?

Haptics is the tech equivalent of a handshake—a way to feel and interact with the digital world using tactile sensations like pressure, vibration, and motion. 

Haptics in AR is no longer just a cool idea; it’s becoming reality thanks to some groundbreaking innovations:

The Rise of Wearables 

Haptic wearables mimic the sensation of touch through actuators and sensors that can replicate the sensations.

The first notable haptic wearable, the “CyberGrasp”, debuted in the late 1990s. Designed as an exoskeleton, it simulated the sensation of grasping objects in virtual spaces using force feedback. 

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HaptX gloves utilize microfluidic technology, where air pockets inflate under the surface to simulate textures or resistance.

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Teslasuit takes this further by combining haptic feedback with motion capture and biometric tracking, enabling a full-body immersive experience.

Touch without touching

Ultraleap’s ultrasonic waves let you feel virtual objects in mid-air. No gloves, no suits—just pure, mind-blowing tech.

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Smarter AR Controllers

Devices like the Meta Quest Pro have upped their game with haptic controllers. From the buzz of a digital button press to the resistance of pulling a lever, these add a dash of realism to virtual interactions.

Applications of Haptics Across Industries

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Surgical Training and Remote Operations:

Haptics enable AR surgical simulations, allowing medical students to "feel" incisions and tissue without using real patients. Robotic-assisted surgery uses haptic feedback to provide surgeons with resistance and pressure cues, improving precision.. (Image source: The Verge)

Also, Haptic gloves help patients recovering from strokes regain motor skills by mimicking everyday tasks in AR environments.

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Defense & Military: 

AR-based combat training leverages haptics to simulate the recoil of firearms, the feel of gear, or physical feedback during tactical exercises, enhancing muscle memory and situational awareness.

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Entertainment: 

AR-based games offer realistic simulations of different activities as well as situations. Home decoration games, virtual aquariums, AR pet simulations, etc. A famous one is Jurassic World Alive.

There are also Immersive concerts and interactive films that integrate haptic chairs or vests, syncing physical sensations with on-screen action. A notable example is "A Postcard to Earth," showcased in the Sphere in Las Vegas.

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Expanding Sensory Integration Beyond Touch

Innovators are integrating haptics with other senses:

Olfactory and Auditory Stimuli – VR and AR experiences increasingly combine tactile feedback with scents or 3D sound, creating multi-sensory environments. The ION Scentware is designed to create digitally native scents to provoke different moods and emotions.

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Thermal Feedback – Haptics research includes temperature control, allowing users to feel the warmth of virtual objects or environmental conditions.

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Short-Term (1-3 years)

Significant progress will be seen in healthcare, where AR applications will enhance surgical training and remote consultations. 

For instance, AR-assisted robotic surgeries and immersive virtual anatomy classes will become more common. A report by Grand View Research highlights that AR can improve retention rates in medical education by up to 40%, paving the way for a new generation of highly skilled healthcare professionals. Source

Mid-Term (3-5 years)

Retail: Virtual try-ons for apparel, footwear, and accessories will enhance the online shopping experience, reducing returns and boosting customer satisfaction. This innovation could drive market growth to $122 billion by 2028, according to Allied Market Research. Source

Long-Term (5+ years)

• Entertainment: Gamers will experience unprecedented realism through AR-enabled haptic suits and devices.
• Education: Interactive learning environments will allow students to “feel” virtual objects, revolutionizing STEM education.
• Hospitality: Virtual travel experiences, complete with sensory feedback, will redefine how people explore destinations.

The World Economic Forum predicts AR could contribute $1.5 trillion to the global economy by 2030, underscoring its transformative potential. Source

While we’re not quite at the point of feeling virtual silk or shaking hands with a digital avatar, the progress so far is undeniable.

The day we can touch and feel the digital world isn’t just a dream—it’s a forefront we’re fast approaching. So, are you ready to feel the future?