Disney Research is continuing to forge into touch technology research, unveiling a wearable tactile technology that can transform how everyday objects feel to the user. REVEL, based on a technique called Reverse Electrovibration, injects a weak electrical signal into the wearer’s body to create an oscillating electrical field around their skin.
The technique creates highly distinctive tactile textures
on everyday objects and can be used
with touch devices for tactile responses appropriate to
content displayed on the screen.
Disney claims
the mobile, wearable system is inexpensive and moots
potential applications including personalised content on public
touch displays and tactile direction hints for visually
impaired people.
REVEL technology was developed by
Olivier Bau and Ivan Poupyrev, in collaboration with Mathieu Le Goc.