Imagine being able to navigate the
streets just by receiving vibrations in your footwear. Or feeling a
tingle in your yoga tights if your Downward Dog position needs
improvement.
And what if you could feel the things you're touching as you roam through a virtual reality (VR) world?This is the science of haptics, the intersection between technology and the sense of touch.
For most of us, our experience of haptics has been restricted to a buzz in our pockets when a phone message arrives, or "force feedback" on gaming joysticks and steering wheels.
But observers believe the technology, which has been in development for decades, is finally ready to hit the big time thanks to faster processors, cheaper sensors and the take-up of VR headsets.
Smart shoes
The global market for haptics tech is forecast to reach nearly $20bn (£16bn) by 2022, according to research firm Research and Markets.So what are some of the real-world applications of this "touchy-feely" tech?
Well, if you've bumped into lamp posts and fellow tourists trying to follow map directions on your phone, smart shoes and insoles could be the answer.
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