What are Haptics?

Haptics simply means sense of touch. In virtual reality simulation, it pertains to the technology of touch, the feel of the system, and the feedback of the system to the operator. Until recently, there has been a lack of haptics technology in virtual reality simulations. Even though the operator can reach out and touch the virtual object by placing his/her hand through the object without haptic technology, such training may be inefficient and confusing. By having haptic technology in the simulations, depending on the types of operations and functions, users can really know and feel what he/she is actually doing, the softness and hardness of the object, how much it weighs, how big or small it is, the user's force, and so on.

Functions for which haptic technology should be used include articulated instruments and tools for cutting soft tissues; pulling, gripping and clamping; for long, straight probes for palpating or puncturing tissue; and for injection. More specifically, users can feel the coupling moments generated by the contact forces at the instrument tip and forces at the point, detect side collisions between the simulated tool and 3D models of organs, feel multiple layers of tissue (skin, muscle, fat, etc), and touch and feel multiple objects simultaneously. [1]

With VR-based medical simulators, medical personnel can be effectively trained and prepared for subsequent learning and practice on patients. By having haptics in VR-based simulators, medical personnel can learn more about the challenges of real world experiences, eye and hand collaboration, accuracy and timing. Perfecting maneuvers through repeated practice where the learning experience is less pressured than the real surgery setting benefits all humankind.

Reference

1. Cagatay B, Suvranu DE, Jung K, Manivannan M, Hyun K, and Srinivasan MA; Haptics in Minimally Invasive Surgical Simulation and Training. Acad Med Vol: 0272-1716 March/ April 2004; pp 54-64.