The word "haptic" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the sense of touch. For example, "The haptic feedback on the virtual reality headset was immersive and realistic."
Using a haptic interface called GRAB, which was developed by Carlo Alberto Avizzano and his colleagues at the Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna in Pisa, Italy, the researchers showed that a realistic sensation can be created using skin-stretch alone, and leaving out the vertical forces.
In theory, it should be possible to stimulate these ridges individually using micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) technology, but so far nobody has tried, says Dr MacLean.For his part, Dr Hayward has been experimenting with other uses for skin stretch, and has developed a new type of haptic switch for use in mobile devices.
In particular, they might find applications in "haptic" (touch-based) systems.
If the system detects an obstacle that is likely to cause a crash, it warns the driver via an alarm, a flashing light, and then a tactile or "haptic" warning which tightens the driver's seatbelt.
But with haptic feedback, on-screen buttons can be made to feel real and are easier to use.
It might, for example, someday be possible to tell who is calling your phone just by reaching into your pocket or bag and touching it, he says.Exactly what haptic devices will be used for is still unclear, but they seem destined to become more widespread in future.
Apple's watches provide "haptic feedback": they vibrate to give alerts to wearers, such as reminding them to stand up if they have been sitting too long (as your correspondent has been while writing this).
Devices that exploit haptics have been around for decades: many modern aeroplanes, for example, have haptic control columns that shake or vibrate to warn the pilot of an approaching stall.
Another is to use them as dampers in prosthetic devices.Existing haptic devices rely on MR fluids.
It is the latest example of a new breed of "haptic" technologies that do for the sense of touch what lifelike colour displays and hi-fi sound do for eyes and ears.Haptics is the science of simulating pressure, texture, vibration and other sensations related to touch.
Smart fluids could thus be used in haptic devices ranging from joysticks for gaming to instruments for remote surgery.The benefits of smart fluids are also becoming apparent to the makers of digital cameras.
