What is Haptics and What Are the Benefits of Haptic Navigation?
Haptic technology has been around for a while, but its applications are still evolving. So, what is haptics? The term originates from the Greek word 'haptikos,' meaning related to touch. Haptics simulate touch by applying forces, vibrations, or motions to the user through smartphones or wearable devices. An example of haptic feedback is when your phone vibrates when you get a phone call, or when your steering wheel jostles to align you back into your lane.
The Role of Haptic Feedback in Navigation
Haptic navigation provides intuitive guidance through vibrations or other tactile feedback on devices like smartphones and smartwatches. This makes it easier and safer for users to get crucial navigation cues without having to look away from what they’re doing, ultimately bettering user experience through enhanced safety, awareness, and usability of navigation in all environments. Here at Haptic (formerly WearWorks), we've developed patented technologies like the HapticNav SDK, HapticNav App for iOS and Android, and Wayband enabling accurate navigation utilizing the sense of touch.
HapticNav Virtual Corridor
Our HapticNav SDK guides users to an end location with vibrational feedback through mobile devices alone, or paired with a smartwatch. The varying haptic feedback lets you know when you have stepped out of the “virtual corridor” allowing users to seamlessly find points of interest, friends, or rides just by feeling their way.
For the past 8 years our products have been changing lives around the world, from enabling the first visually impaired runner to complete the New York Marathon in history, to providing seamless navigation in emerging countries like Kenya, Ghana or Mexico. We’ve done it with a mission to provide freedom to everyone, to go anywhere in the world, simply by feeling their way.
Haptics as a Universal Language
Haptic technology, leveraging the universal sense of touch, acts as a bridge across linguistic and cultural barriers. By conveying complex information through simple tactile feedback, haptics is rapidly becoming a crucial component of communication and interactive systems globally. With this technology, the challenge of finding your ride in a busy airport disappears. You no longer have to worry about language barriers or confusing signage. Simply start navigating with our HapticNav app which works seamlessly in both indoor and outdoor environments, guiding you effortlessly to your destination.
The Future of Haptics
Haptics has enormous potential and is set to transform how we interact across in a digital and physical world. The technology is transforming the navigation experience for everyone, not just the visually impaired or those seeking enhanced guidance. It's broadening accessibility, improving user experiences, and establishing new standards for inclusivity in transportation, ensuring accurate and stress-free travel.
Haptics is also making waves in ride-sharing, event venues, public spaces, airports, airlines, and healthcare. As we continue to develop and expand this technology, it’s becoming clear that haptic feedback is setting the stage for the future of human-machine interactions, bringing a human touch to our digital world.
Interested in integrating HapticNav SDK in your solution - learn more here.
Download our free HapticNav app and simply feel your way (iOS | Android)
