AI with a sense of touch. Overcoming spatial limitations for remote surgery, factory control, etc. [CES 2025]
Ultra-precision 'AI haptic technology' in the spotlight
Canadian company's 'MinVerse' device attracts attention
Transmits tactile signals when grabbing virtual objects
Infinite applications in medical and education
Domestic company wins innovation award for development of haptic suit
Las Vegas = Reporter Kim Seong-hun powerkimsh@munhwa.com
In the movie 'Minority Report', there is a scene where actor Tom Cruise floats a computer screen in the air and moves the screen with his specially gloved hands. In 'Avatar', the protagonist, an ordinary human, controls a bionic avatar remotely, while experiencing all the senses in reality and interacting with the virtual world. With the opening of 'Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2025', the world's largest information technology (IT) and home appliance exhibition, a large number of products that are close to technologies that were once considered science fiction in movies were showcased at the Venetian Hotel exhibition hall in Las Vegas, USA, which is busy with final preparations. As haptic technology evolves into an 'AI haptic universe' by combining with artificial intelligence (AI), it is evaluated that the commercialization of digital interaction products that transcend reality and virtual space is imminent across all industries, including healthcare, architecture, and gaming.
The most notable AI haptic technology at this year's CES is the portable 3D device 'MinVerse' developed by Canadian startup Haply Robotics. This product uses an AI haptic engine to deliver corresponding tactile signals when the user grabs or pushes a virtual object, allowing them to feel similar to handling a real object. MinVerse won the CES Best Innovation Award for breaking down the boundaries between digital and physical and providing a more immersive experience.
The AI haptic bus analyzes the user's learning speed and comprehension, while haptics provides a hands-on learning experience through physical touch. This technology is particularly advantageous in that it can expand its application to a wide range of fields, including medicine, design, education, and games. For example, in the medical field, doctors can practice performing surgery in advance through virtual simulations. This is because AI analyzes anatomical data in real time and can reproduce the tactile sensation of touching surgical tools through haptics. When combined with a 'digital twin', it can also control industrial robots. In addition, if this technology is combined with holograms, it is expected that spatial intuitive manipulation like Minority Report will be implemented in the near future.
This article has been condensed for relevance.
