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'''Telehaptic''' is the term for computer generated tactile (tangible or touch) sensations ([[Philosophy:Haptic perception|haptics]]) over a network, between physically distant human beings, or between a local user and a remote location, using [[Engineering:Sensor|sensor]]s and effectors. [[Engineering:Microcontroller|Microcontroller]]s input information from sensors, and control effectors to create human sensations as outputs. 

Sensors range from pressure, temperature and kinesthetic sensing devices, to [[Biology:Biofeedback|biofeedback]] equipment. Haptic effectors, evoking precise perceivable sensations, range from small motors, fans, heating elements, or vibrators; to micro-voltage electrodes which gently stimulate areas of the skin (creating subtle, localized, "tingling" electrotactile sensations). Telehaptic [[Interactivity|interactivity]], a form of [[Engineering:Assistive technology|assistive technology]], may involve [[Philosophy:Synesthesia|synesthesia]]; e.g. sensed inputs such as breathing, brain activity, or heartbeats might be presented as gentle, precisely variable bodily sensations in any combination, including warmth, cold, vibration, pressure, etc.; opening possibilities for levels of awareness, and interpersonal communication, difficult (or impossible) to attain prior to telehaptic (and biofeedback) technologies.

One of the challenges entailed in telehaptic applications involves the requirement for stability and the synchronized functioning of multiple tasks in order to effectively operate in a real-time environment.<ref>{{Cite book|title=Encyclopedia of Multimedia|last=Furht|first=Borko|publisher=Springer|year=2008|isbn=9780387747248|location=Berlin|pages=847}}</ref>

== Applications ==
Interaction using telehaptic technology offers a new approach to communication including interpersonal interaction. It can be deployed to carry out telehealth encounters and the so-called [[Medicine:Telerehabilitation|telerehabilitation]].<ref name="DesigningTelehealth">{{Cite book|title=Designing Telehealth for an Aging Population: A Human Factors Perspective|last=Charness|first=Neil|last2=Demiris|first2=George|last3=Krupinski|first3=Elizabeth|publisher=CRC Press|year=2011|isbn=978-1-4398-2529-7|location=Boca Raton|pages=46}}</ref> Since the technology provides sensed inputs such as brain activity, heartbeats, and breathing, it creates an effective telehealth encounter that can enable real-time examination by a health professional. Telehaptic interactivity is now being integrated in therapy such as in sampling the position of body parts and the provision of resistive forces using telehaptic virtual gloves.<ref name="DesigningTelehealth" /> Once challenges involving the irregularities of the communication network, delay, [[Jitter|jitter]], and [[Packet loss|packet loss]], among others are addressed, [[Medicine:Remote surgery|telesurgery]] is also expected to advance.<ref>{{Cite book|title=Haptics: Science, Technology, and Applications: 11th International ..., Part 2|last=Prattichizzo|first=Domenico|last2=Shinoda|first2=Hiroyuki|last3=Tan|first3=Hong|last4=Ruffaldi|first4=Emanuele|last5=Frisoli|first5=Antonio|publisher=Springer|year=2018|isbn=9783319933986|location=Berlin|pages=660}}</ref>

Telehaptic systems are also useful in different handling applications. There are researcher, for instance, who are able to utilize its interfaces to perform actions such as pushing or more complicated tasks that require dexterity like grasping micro-objects.<ref name=":0">{{Cite book|title=Precision Assembly Technologies and Systems: 5th IFIP WG 5.5 International Precision Assembly Seminar, IPAS 2010, Chamonix, France, February 14-17, 2010, Proceedings|last=Ratchev|first=Svetan|publisher=Springer|year=2010|isbn=9783642115974|location=Berlin|pages=14}}</ref> That is why, while the technology has not been perfected yet, scientists are optimistic about its potential. It means that telehaptic applications could play an important role in the future of microassembly and biological applications (e.g. handling cells and tissues).<ref name=":0" /> The concept of teleoperation, which involves the remote operation of a machine, demonstrates the potential of telehaptic technology application in the case of risky activities and tasks such as [[Physics:Radioactive waste|nuclear waste]] disposal and wreckage exploration.<ref>{{Cite book|title=Genetic and Evolutionary Computing|last=Zin|first=Thi Thi|last2=Lin|first2=Jerry|last3=Pan|first3=Jeng-Shyang|last4=Tin|first4=Pyke|last5=Yokota|first5=Mitsuhiro|publisher=Springer|year=2015|isbn=9783319232065|location=Heidelberg|pages=92}}</ref>

== See also ==
* [[Engineering:Teledildonics|Teledildonics]]

== References ==
{{reflist}}
* [http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/xpl/freeabs_all.jsp?arnumber=1225131 Sensing distant objects by tele-haptic interface]

==External links==
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20040905011754/http://www.interactivityconsultants.com/pages/telehaptics/telehaptics_defined.htm What is telehaptics?]<!--not at wayback machine-->
*[http://www.stenslie.net/stahl/ the cyberSM teletactile communication project (1994)]

[[Category:Multimodal interaction]]

{{Sourceattribution|Telehaptics}}