Researchers from the Human Computer Integration Lab at the University of Chicago’s Computer Science Department have developed an entirely new approach called chemical haptics, which directly triggers receptors in human skin in different ways. As detailed in a recently published paper, the researchers designed and built self-contained wearables that can be worn anywhere on the human body—-arms, legs, and even the face are options—as long as it’s able to make contact with the skin.
The wearables use silicone patches and micropumps to deliver five different chemicals to the surface of the skin that produce five unique physical sensations at the point of contact. Menthol creates the sensation that the skin is being cooled, potentially simulating walking outside on a snowy day, while capsaicin, the ingredient that makes spicy foods spicy, creates a sensation of warmth, or being exposed to something that is hot.
Things get a little more extreme with the other chemicals tested. Lidocaine can create a numbing sensation, sanshool makes the skin feel like it’s tingling, and cinnamaldehyde creates a stinging sensation, and could be used as a negative form of haptic feedback in a VR game where players are tasked with keeping themselves safe but are failing to do so. All of the chemicals used are safe for humans to use, so it’s not like you’ll be sprayed with caustic acid while playing an Aliens VR simulation, but you also don’t want to spread lidocaine all over your body as that sensation (or lack of it) doesn’t wear off immediately.
Is this the future of advanced haptic feedback? Probably not exactly as is being demonstrated here, but finding ways to trigger the body’s natural receptors in new and novel ways is a definite step in the right direction toward simulating physical sensations that aren’t actually happening.
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