
Warm up your thumbs, gamers, because future video game controllers may provide even more ways to feel the world of the game. Engineers from the University of Utah have produced a prototype controller featuring thumb sticks with sections that can move independently of the gamer’s fingers. Sensations such as a nibble on a video game fishing line can now be communicated to the gamer through subtle, directional stretching of the thumb’s skin.
Controllers like these are examples of haptic technology—tech that interfaces with people through touch. If you own a phone with a vibrate function, you’re already acquainted with haptics. Research in haptics may someday give us more sophisticated telepresence robots, improved safety features for drivers, and maybe even realistic-feeling virtual reality games. What inventions would you improve through haptics?
A New Direction For Game Controllers [News Center - University of Utah]
Image: University of Utah News Center
- Readers' Comments (2)
Sorry, comments are not allowed for this post.
- Museum Hours
-
- Daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Open daily except Thanksgiving and Christmas
- Museum Location
- Getting Here
Categories
- Art and Culture (3)
- Attitude and Behavior (9)
- Chemistry (9)
- Computer and Digital Technology (7)
- Earth Science (6)
- Education and Policy (4)
- Energy (5)
- Engineering (8)
- Environment and Sustainability (9)
- Health and Medicine (17)
- Manufacturing and Industry (7)
- Math (2)
- Museums (2)
- Physics (8)
- Space and Astronomy (16)
- Technology (18)
- Transportation (3)
- Happening Now
-
-
Animal Inside Out
A stunning look inside the animal kingdom from the creators of BODY WORLDS.
-
Space Junk
A visually stunning exploration of our planet's perilous ring of orbiting debris.
-
Air Racers
Ride along as elite pilots fight for position, wingtip-to-wingtip, in the fastest motor sport.
-
- Coming Soon
-
-
Inventive Genius Lecture: Empires of Light
Jill Jonnes discusses the electric clashes between Edison, Tesla and Westinghouse.
-
The Wooded Isle and Gardens of the World's Fair
Cathy Maloney discusses the gardens of the World's Fairs and tours the Wooded Isle.
-
The Wooded Isle and Gardens of the World's Fair
Cathy Maloney returns to discuss World's Fair gardens and tour the Wooded Isle.
-
contact us
Write the team behind the blog with your questions or comments.

tech that interfaces with people through touch. If you own a phone with a vibrate function, you’re already acquainted with haptics. Research in haptics may someday give us more sophisticated telepresence robots, improved safety features for drivers, and maybe even realistic-feeling virtual reality games. What inventions would you improve through haptics?
Warm up your thumbs, gamers, because future video game controllers may provide even more ways to feel the world of the game. http://isitjustdownforme.com/