Magnetic Levitation Haptic Device

By admin | Mar 6, 2008
If you are new here, you may want to subscribe to our feed.

magnetic-levitating-haptic-device.jpg

Er, that’s a mouthful. It sounds like some kind of futuristic time machine or a device that allows you to levitate. Well, the latter is a little more on target. Folks at Carnegie Mellon University’s School of Robotics are working on a haptic device that feels extremely realistic. Yeah, most of you will be scratching your head, “What the heck is a haptic device?” Let’s explore that.


Wikipedia talks about haptic technology this way: “Haptic technology refers to technology which interfaces the user via the sense of touch by applying forces, vibrations and/or motions to the user. This mechanical stimulation may be used to assist in the creation of virtual objects (objects existing only in a computer simulation), for control of such virtual objects, and to enhance the remote control of machines and devices…” So, are you tracking with me a little better now? Okay, so these folks are creating devices that use magnetic fields to create a levitating haptic device. Sounds freakish, doesn’t it! Researchers who are involved with the consortium to bring this together cite these advantages for a device like this:

  • Single moving part with 6 degrees of freedom
  • Zero static friction
  • Zero mechanical backlash
  • High position and force bandwidths
  • High position resolution
  • Low perceived mass
  • Very wide range of stiffnesses possible
  • Mechanical simplicity, no tight tolerances


Related Posts:

iCache Holds Multiple Virtual Credit Cards
Have you ever seen the episode of Seinfeld where George has the overstuffed wallet?  He gets all this back pain...

Novint Falcon Force Feedback Controller
It must be gaming feedback device week here at PaulTech because we are going to look at another one. ...

How About a Small Magnetic Field Generating Planet?
Ah, you have to love those innovative and almost nuts physicists.  Dan Lathrop, from the University of Maryland, has built...

Yamaha NX-BO2 Wireless Speaker
If you live in an older, plaster walled house, then you would really appreciate a wireless speaker option.  And, if...

Mars Rover Tribute
The Mars rovers have been a complete success. The fact that they set down on January 3 and January...

Leave a Comment

If you would like to make a comment, please fill out the form below.

Name (required)

Email (required)

Website

Comments

© 2007 PaulTech Network, - Daily Blog Tips Themes