Breakthrough Tactile Technology from South Korea for Wearables
Seoul, Wednesday, 2 April 2025.
Sungkyunkwan University unveils a novel tactile tech platform, potentially revolutionizing next-gen wearables and medical devices with lightweight, high-resolution tactile information.
Revolutionary Multi-Directional Tactile System
In a significant advancement for wearable technology, researchers from Sungkyunkwan University’s Department of Semiconductor Convergence Engineering, led by Professor Jae-Young Yoo, have collaborated with Dr. Kyeong-Ho Ha from Northwestern University to develop a groundbreaking wireless multi-directional tactile stimulation interface [1]. The innovation centers on a ‘Full Freedom-of-Motion Actuator’ (FOM) that precisely stimulates various touch receptors in the skin, representing a marked improvement over traditional single-direction vibration-based haptic systems [1][2].
Technical Innovation and Implementation
The device’s architecture features an overlapping array of three-directional electromagnetic coils that can generate precise magnetic field control to deliver vertical, horizontal, and torsional stimulation to the skin’s surface [1]. The system incorporates either a single magnet or an integrated four-magnet structure, enabling simultaneous generation of diverse mechanical stimuli. This configuration achieves a high information transmission rate of 2.8 bits per device, setting it apart from existing tactile stimulation technologies [2].
Practical Applications and Future Impact
The research team has successfully demonstrated practical applications including hand position navigation for visually impaired individuals, achieved through small tactile stimulation devices attached to the back of the hand, fingers, or arms [1]. The technology has proven capable of reproducing various texture sensations, from fabric to metal, and can even convert musical elements like vocals, drums, and guitar frequencies into distinct directional vibrations, allowing users to perceive music through touch alone [2]. The system’s wireless Bluetooth control and skin-optimized flexible material structure position it for diverse applications in XR-based gaming, medical training, rehabilitation therapy, and sensory assistance devices [1].