Haptics-Based Systems Characteristics, Classification, and Applications

Background: The Concept Of Haptics

The concept of haptics is derived from the Greek verb haptesthai which means ‘to touch’. It refers to the science of sensation and manipulation by touch for the purpose of perception or modification of the environment (Abdulmotaleb El Saddik et al., 2011), (M. Eid et al., 2007), (Mihelj, Novak, & Begus, 2014). Touch is divided into two forms: the tactile (also called cutaneous) sense, and the kinesthetic (also called proprioceptive or force) sense (Abdulmotaleb El Saddik et al., 2011), (Benali-khoudja, Hafez, Alex, & Kheddar, 2004). The tactile sense refers to the registering of physical contact with a real object through skin receptors. It provides the individual with information about an object; this includes texture, pressure, temperature, wetness, softness, friction, vibration, and shape. Conversely, the kinesthetic sense of touch means feeling motion through awareness of position and movement of body parts as well as muscular efforts that are conveyed to the individual by sensory receptors in joints, tendons, and muscles when touching and manipulating items. The kinesthetic sense tells the individual about the movement of joints, velocity, muscle control, and weight. The human hand features both types of touch (Abdulmotaleb El Saddik et al., 2011), (Mihelj et al., 2014).