Project description
Commercialising textured haptic holograms
Virtual interactions and digitalisation improve many aspects of daily life, enabling easy execution of a myriad of tasks from our desktops. But touch is still not part of this picture. The H-Reality project developed a novel haptic algorithm that uses AI and a series of phased ultrasonic waves to create textured holograms that you can touch and feel in mid-air. The EU-funded E-Textures project will focus on commercialisation of the mid-air haptic texture generation technology for real-time virtual touch interactions in digital signage for advertising markets and businesses, such as garments retail and healthcare. The consortium, which comprises experts in mid-air haptics, market research and technology innovation, and 3D interaction techniques is uniquely positioned to achieve this objective.
Objective
“Touch comes before sight, before speech. It is the first language and the last, and it always tells the truth” (Margaret Atwood, 2000), yet digital content today remains focused on visual and auditory stimulation. This project focuses on commercializing mid-air haptic texture generation --- a novel technology developed within the H-Reality FET-Open project that would unlock the virtualisation and digitisation of mid-air touch interactions in the immersive and digital signage advertising markets (e.g. touching holograms of different fabrics in a shop) and enable novel business use-cases in new market verticals spanning from media and entertainment to retail and healthcare. Our three project objectives are to (1) understand market opportunities through market research and validation activities, (2) create demo prototypes that address the identified market opportunities and achieve product-market fit, and (3) engage with industry and validate a business model that will kickstart commercial activities. Our consortium comprises of experts in mid-air haptics, market research and technology innovation, and 3D interaction techniques, and is uniquely positioned to achieve these three objectives and leverage our IP assets towards their commercial exploitation while creating new opportunities for market innovation.
Programme(s)
Funding Scheme
CSA - Coordination and support actionCoordinator
BS2 0EL Bristol
United Kingdom
The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.