133517Improving haptic sensationClosedFeasibility StudiesInnovate UKCurrent virtual reality and augmented reality systems focus on the use of audio and visual cues. A key missing element is touch. Ultrahaptics has developed haptic feedback systems which recreate the sensation of touch without bulky and unnatural wearable devices. Instead, our non-contact haptic system uses focused high-intensity ultrasound to simulate a sensation of touch. This method exploits the acoustic radiation pressure, which is also used in ultrasonic levitation systems. In a VR applications, this technology will be combined with hand tracking to allow the user to interact with a virtual scene without the need for physical controllers yet retain a direct connection to the scene via the sensation of touch. Currently, the technology can generate single points or simple moving paths. In order to render sensations for VR scenes, larger objects and surfaces must be generated in real time so that the user can interact with them. This project will rewrite the underlying algorithms which power Ultrahaptics devices to solve for larger, more complex acoustic fields. This will allow improved haptic sensations of objects in VR and AR scenes. Additionally, it will greatly simplify the process by which objects are rendered allowing developers greater freedom when using the designing applications which utilise Ultrahaptics technology. The success of this project will enable Ultrahaptics to move into the VR/AR domain much more quickly and hence drive growth in the UK economy.