Haptics
The UK Digital Catapult supported by Innovate UK describe haptic technology or haptics also referred to as kinaesthetic communication or 3D touch, as one of three immersive technologies that transforms the digital experience by 'bringing together the virtual with users’ sight, sound (virtual reality and augmented reality) and event touch (haptics).'
In their report (Haptics:What the future feels like) they describe it as 'the use of electronically or mechanically generated movement that a user experiences through the sense of touch as part of an interface.' In the construction industry, haptics has the potential to simulate the sensations of holding tools, manipulating objects, feeling the resistance or texture of materials.
The UK Digital Catapul notes that as 'touchscreens become ever more ubiquitous, haptic technology has also become an increasingly important part of how we interact with our digital lives. For example, micro-vibrations replace the feeling of a button press, and pulses on our wrist from our diaital watch can alert to calls and messages.'
The organisation supports tecnlogical development in three areas
- Human haptics, which is relative to touch perceived by humans
- Computational haptics, which is the software for touching and feeling virtual objects
- Haptic machines, which refers to the design and use of machinery that can increase or replace human touch
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- 3D MOVE: Mobile Immersive Visualisation Environment.
- Advanced construction technology.
- Artificial intelligence.
- Artificial intelligence and civil engineering.
- Assisted reality aR.
- Augmented reality for real estate.
- Building information modelling BIM.
- Caution Cinema.
- Cobots.
- Computer aided design CAD.
- Computer-generated imagery (CGI).
- Construction innovation.
- ConTech.
- Edge devices.
- Eyeware app.
- Gravity Sketch.
- Immersive Hybrid Reality IHR.
- Information for the buildings of tomorrow.
- Integrated modelling, simulation and visualisation (MSV) for sustainable built healing environments (BHEs).
- Integrated systems.
- Metaverse.
- Mixed reality.
- Projections.
- Real estate in the augmented age.
- Robots.
- Shaping the Future of Construction: Inspiring innovators redefine the industry.
- The Palimpsest.
- The rise of 5G in buildings.
- Trends towards wearables and wellbeing in buildings.
- TruVision.
- Virtual construction model.
- Virtual reality and manufacturing.
Featured articles and news
Change of use legislation breaths new life into buildings
A run down on Class MA of the General Permitted Development Order.
Solar generation in the historic environment
Success requires understanding each site in detail.
Level 6 Design, Construction and Management BSc
CIOB launches first-ever degree programme to develop the next generation of construction leaders.
Open for business as of April, with its 2026 prospectus and new pipeline of housing schemes.
The operational value of workforce health
Keeping projects moving. Incorporating unplanned absence and the importance of health, in operations.
A carbon case for indigenous slate
UK slate can offer clear embodied carbon advantages.
Costs and insolvencies mount for SMEs, despite growth
Construction sector under insolvency and wage bill pressure in part linked to National Insurance, says report.
The place for vitrified clay pipes in modern infrastructure
Why vitrified clay pipes are reclaiming their role in built projects.
Research by construction PR consultancy LMC published.
Roles and responsibilities of domestic clients
ACA Safety in Construction guide for domestic clients.
Fire door compliance in UK commercial buildings
Architect and manufacturer gives their low down.
The new towns and strategic environmental assessments
12 locations of the New Towns Taskforce reduced to 7 within the new towns draft programme and open consultation.
Buildings that changed the future of architecture. Book review.


















