Haptic technology creates the sense of touch by applying forces, vibrations and motions to the user. This sense of touch also categorized as passive and active touch to communicate. There are many haptic devices in the market used for commercial application and research.
Some of the applications used on commercial are tactile electronic displays, video games, virtual reality, etc.
Applications used for research are the medical simulation, robotics and designing.
The Touch from 3D Systems is a mid-range professional haptic device that can be used for 3D modeling. It allows users to freely sculpt 3D clay. Touch is a motorized device that when users apply force, they will receive feedback from the force they applied, allowing them to feel the virtual objects and produce true-to-life touch sensations as users manipulate on-screen 3D objects.
This video walks you thru the journey how does Touch Haptic Device work.
Some of the case studies used with Touch Haptic Device and Geomagic Freeform Software:
Case Study 1:
Life-saving prosthetic using Geomagic 3D scanning software and 3D SLS printing enables robust printed beak for abused bird
It started with a savage act, but thanks to animal welfare advocates, a group of dedicated specialists, and leading-edge 3D technologies, a young Costa Rican toucan has become a national symbol of perseverance and hope.
The toucan, named Grecia after the region in which it lives, was attacked by youths and lost almost the entire top part of its majestic beak.
Fortunately, the injured bird was found and taken to nearby Zoo Ave, Central America’s largest animal rescue center, for care and recuperation.
Grecia’s attack received widespread media attention, setting off a flurry of protests and proposed legislation in Costa Rica for better animal protection. A crowd-funding campaign raised more than $10,000 for Grecia’s treatment.
Youngkwan Joo, 3D reverse engineering specialist from 3D Systems’ modeling team in Seoul, worked with two sets of data: One from the scanning of Grecia’s broken beak and the other from the whole beak of the dead toucan. His first step was designing a well-fitted beak for Grecia using Geomagic Freeform software from 3D Systems.
After modeling the beak, Joo designed a cap to attach the prosthetic beak to what remained of Grecia’s top beak. The cap was designed to enable the prosthetic beak to be removed for cleaning and for a larger beak to be inserted over time since Grecia is still growing.
Case Study 2:
Custom-designed prosthetics, with an inspired design using Geomagic Freeform, and 3D printed on MJP 3D printers, enables Derby the Dog to run
Derby was born with a disability but that didn’t mean that he was going to be disabled. He has uniquely malformed front legs that could not simply be fit to a standard prosthetic.
3D scanning software and 3D printing allows Derby to walk and run. With his prosthetics created through personal 3D scan data, Geomagic Freeform sculpting software, and printed on a 3D Systems ProJet MJP 5600, in multi-materials including rubber grips on the rocker base and softer materials for the cups. The prosthetic supports themselves were 3D printed in the harder material to give strength but composited with some rubber to reduce impact while he runs. He can function much like any other dog and even leads way ahead of his owner.
Derby enjoys life with and without his prosthetics.
