Fujitsu creates tablet that tricks you into thinking you’re feeling water, pushing buttons or stroking an alligator
The Japanese firm has developed the prototype tablet device using ultrasound vibrations to mimic a variety of textures.
These vibrations change the friction between the finger and the screen to trick the brain into thinking it’s plucking a harp, touching the skin of an alligator and more. It can also give the sensation of a slippery liquid.
Other, similar technologies change the friction between the finger and the screen using static electricity, and Fujitsu claim the use of ultrasound is a world first.
It is also a breakthrough technology because ultrasound vibrations usually need a large amount of energy to work effectively. This is the first time it’s been developed to run on smaller devices with mobile batteries.
The company claims that it can reproduce edges, ridges, protrusions and bumps as well as other sensations using its technology.