Tactile Internet

Beyond Virtual Reality, Towards Haptic Communication

Rutuja Ghuge
Rutuja Ghuge
- 4 min read
Tactile Internet
Tactile Internet

Understanding the Tactile Internet

The Tactile Internet is like a super-smart way for us to touch and feel things in the digital world. It’s more than just looking at screens or listening—it’s about experiencing the sense of touch, like feeling the texture of virtual objects or the pressure of a grip.This futuristic technology relies on super-fast internet networks, like 5G, to ensure almost instant communication.

To make the magic happen, special devices such as gloves or suits equipped with advanced sensors are used. These devices can simulate the sensation of touching various objects or surfaces in virtual environments. Imagine playing a video game and not just seeing and hearing the action, but also feeling the impact of virtual objects. It opens up exciting possibilities in fields like gaming, medicine, and education. The Tactile Internet is essentially a step closer to making our digital experiences more immersive and engaging by introducing the sense of touch into the mix.

Applications

  • Making Online Meetings Feel Real

With the Tactile Internet, when we have virtual meetings, we can actually feel things like handshakes or high-fives, making it feel like we’re really there with others.

  • Helping People with Disabilities

For people who can’t see or hear well, the Tactile Internet can create devices that let them feel and touch things in the digital world. It can make using technology much easier and more enjoyable for everyone.

  • Making Movies and Shows More Fun

When we watch movies or shows, the Tactile Internet can make it feel like we’re part of the action by letting us feel the vibrations or impacts during exciting scenes.

  • Training for Jobs

In jobs where you need special skills, like fixing things or working in a factory, the Tactile Internet can help us practice those skills in a virtual world. It’s like playing a game, but it helps us get better at our jobs.

  • Sports Practice

If you love playing sports, the Tactile Internet can make practicing more fun. It can let you feel the weight and touch of sports equipment, helping you become a better player.

  • Shopping Online with a Twist

When we shop online, the Tactile Internet can make it feel like we’re actually touching and holding the things we want to buy. It’s like bringing the store to our fingertips!

  • Getting Creative

If you enjoy drawing or designing things, the Tactile Internet can let you feel what you’re creating in a virtual space. It’s like having a magic pen that lets you touch and shape your imagination.

Towards Haptic Communication

While VR offers immersive visual and audio experiences, it lacks the ability to simulate the sense of touch. The phrase signifies a shift towards a more comprehensive form of interaction by introducing haptic communication.

Haptic communication involves the sense of touch, allowing people to feel and interact with the digital world. Unlike traditional virtual reality, which stops at what we see and hear, the Tactile Internet takes us further by incorporating the sensation of touch. This advancement means that users can now touch and feel digital environments as if they were interacting with physical objects.

In simpler terms, it is about going past just looking at and listening to things in a digital space. It’s moving towards a technology that lets us not only see and hear but also touch and feel the virtual world, making our interactions with technology more lifelike and engaging. The Tactile Internet is at the forefront of this shift, aiming to bring a complete sensory experience to our digital interactions.