Long-distance relationships might soon get a touch of realism. A new soft fingertip device aims to make it possible to hold hands with someone thousands of miles away.
These particulars were disclosed in a news article written by Xantha Leatham and posted on MailOnline on September 12.
This innovative technology, known as the bioinspired haptic (BAMH) system, mimics the four touch receptors in a human finger. It uses vibrations of varying speeds and strengths to create a realistic sense of touch.
The developers of this device envision a future where you could hold the hand of a loved one in another city or even another country. For instance, someone in London could hold hands with a relative in Sydney and feel the touch in real-time.
The technology could also have practical applications in healthcare. It might serve as a diagnostic tool for conditions that affect touch, such as metacarpal tunnel syndrome or diabetes. Surgeons could use the device to differentiate between healthy and cancerous tissue in remote healthcare settings.
The team behind this device published their findings in Nature Communications (Leatham, 2024). They are now planning a clinical trial and hope to recruit at least ten participants who experience loss of sensation.
Dr Sara Abad from University College London (UCL) emphasised the importance of touch, which is often overlooked. "Touch is one of our most complex senses," she explained. "While video calls can connect us visually, they lack the tactile element crucial for social bonding."
The device, showcased at the British Science Festival at the University of East London, represents a significant leap forward in integrating touch into virtual interactions. Professor Helge Wurdemann, who worked on the project, mentioned the possibility of developing a full glove in the future. "We're exploring how to integrate multiple fingers to enhance the experience," he said.
This groundbreaking technology promises to bridge the gap in long-distance relationships and improve diagnostic capabilities, making touch a part of our digital lives.
