Virtual reality or the process of putting a person in a simulated environment has been around for a while. With a new technology called UltraHaptics, however, people will soon be able to feel textures and much more in virtual realities.

UltraHaptics is a feedback system honed specifically to a person's sense of touch. It uses ultrasound to create buzzes of pressure on the skin of one's hands.

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It was initially developed for the purpose of indicating whether a "touchless gesture" had been performed or delivered successfully. This purpose alone can be used in a number of industries, from surgery to gaming.

Developers of the technology found that by changing the frequencies of the feedback, they could mimic different kinds of textures with it. This gives the illusion one is really touching whatever is present in the simulation, from hard to smooth surfaces.

A grid of ultrawave sound emitters is what UltraHaptics is made of. When released together and at certain points, the ultrawave sounds provide a feeling pressure on the skin.

It can provide accurate pressure targeted at a point 8.5mm in diameter, from distances ranging from two to four centimeters.

Ultrasound technology was developed early in the 1990's. Designers from the United Kingdom's Bristol University are confident they can increase the range and its applications.

Co-founder Sriran Subramanian said in a recent technology summit in London, there has been considerable interest from the home appliances, business and consumer electric sectors.

The uses for UltraHaptics are many. Apart from its compatibility with virtual reality gaming, UltraHaptics could also be used to give holograms texture. Museums could use the technology to make previously untouchable items available to the public. 

TagsUltraHaptics, Virtual Reality, Sriran Subramanian