One of Simplexity’s core areas of expertise is embedding dynamic and/or moving components into functional products. Haptics is an excellent example of this. Intuitive and pleasant touch-based interaction can be a key differentiator in many human-computer interaction scenarios including AR/VR, robotics, gaming, automotive, medical, and mobile devices.

Actuation Technologies

Simplexity has helped clients select and integrate many different actuation technologies, including:

1. Eccentric Rotating Masses:

Early on, the primary modality for haptic interaction with a consumer product was simple vibration. Commodity-level DC motors were outfitted with off-axis mounted passive mass. These can trivially generate strong sensations at the expense of response time, as the oscillators require time to spin up. They can also, however, provide a richer palette of effects with a lower overall oscillatory power.

2.    Linear Resonant Actuators (LRAs):

To optimize strength while minimizing power consumption and size, similar to Apple’s HapTic embedded actuator, the LRA was born. These systems consist of a highly resonant spring mass system coupled with a brushless electromagnetic exciter. These actuators require in-depth a priori knowledge of the inner workings of the device so that the experience can be tuned to optimize effect strength and dynamic range.

3.    Piezoelectric Actuators:

In recent years, and particularly for touchscreens, piezoelectric actuators have become quite industrially relevant. These actuators can be very compact with very high bandwidth.

4.    Closed-loop torque control with brushed DC motors:

Traditional kinesthetic haptic interfaces from a single dimension to full 6 degree-of-freedom force/torque displays often use the ‘low-torque ripple’ combination of a brushed DC motor with current control feedback loop.

5.    Eddy Current Brakes:

These devices can be either passive or active and can add either controllable or constant pure viscosity to any linear or rotational axis of motion.

System Architecture and Embedded Design

Haptic interfaces have two major architectures:

1. Impedance: The more common architecture, impedance haptic interfaces will output a specified stimulus, such as force or torque, based upon a user’s measured position or location. These designs are typically low inertia, low friction, and easily backdrivable.
2. Admittance: When virtual environments require interaction with near-rigid objects, admittance architectures take over. The cost of an admittance interface is typically higher, as they permit the user to move to a specific location based upon an applied user force. This means a high-fidelity force sensor is required, and a non-backdrivable or stiff mechanical linkage. An excellent commercial example of this is the Mako Robotic Knee System, where the surgeon is constrained with stiff alignment features.

Simplexity has experience designing, prototyping, controlling, and tuning both architectures in medical, automotive, consumer, and gaming. Haptic interface controllers are implemented digitally with a closed-loop microcontroller. Simplexity has delivered customized firmware with supporting electronics and mechanical integration to clients, using a collaborative process to design, prototype, and tune the haptic interaction to each client’s needs.  Particular attention is paid to latency, effect design, acoustic/kinesthetic/tactile and cost tradeoffs.

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The Role of Haptics in Product Design

What haptics are and why they are critical in UX

While the human sensory system is dominated by vision, with approximately 50% of all neuronal activity involved directly in visual processing, humans have an excellent ability to finely manipulate objects and detect small motions. This is due to the high concentration of mechanoreceptors found in glabrous (fingerprinted) skin. The field of haptics, in broad terms, aims to add tactile (to the fingers), and kinesthetic (to the musculature) feedback to improve the user experience with digital objects.

Applications in industries (medical, consumer, industrial, etc.)

There are many different industries that benefit from integrated haptic feedback, some of which include:

1.    Virtual reality:

Surgery Simulation, Automotive Simulation, and Assembly Simulation are excellent examples of applications where haptic feedback can improve the fidelity and realism of the skill that the user is practicing in a risk-free virtual environment.

2.    Touchscreen interaction:

Normally devoid of tactile information, interaction with a touchscreen can be improved through the use of appropriate haptic feedback.

3.    Multi-function low-distraction user interfaces:

The use of haptics can allow a user to change a variety of parameters with a single audio-visual free interaction metaphor if the different parameters ‘feel’ different enough. This paradigm can be a value-add for modern mobile and automotive.

Simplexity’s Haptics Engineering Capabilities

• System Architecture & Concept Development
• Tactile Feedback Prototyping
• Haptic Driver Integration & Control Systems
• Linear Resonant Actuator (LRA), Voice Coil Actuators & Eccentric Rotating Mass (ERM) Integration
• Piezoelectric Actuator Integration
• Custom Firmware & Software for Haptic Systems
• Multi-modal Feedback (audio, visual, tactile)
• Human Factors and Usability Testing
• Haptic System Design

Industries We Serve with Haptic Solutions

• Robotics
• Medical Devices
• Wearable Technology
• AR/VR and Gaming
• Consumer Electronics
• Automotive Interfaces

Why Choose Simplexity for Haptic Development?

• Expertise in haptics development, including PhD-level haptics knowledge
• Proven simulation processes and prototyping for haptics projects
• A portfolio of completed custom haptics design projects

At Simplexity, we turn complex haptic technologies into seamless product experiences. By combining relevant technical expertise with proven prototyping and integration processes, we help clients create products that stand out through intuitive, engaging, and memorable touch interactions. Our haptics solutions give your product a competitive edge and elevate the way users connect with your technology.