IIT-Madras Develops Screen Tech That Lets Users Touch Products

Current touchscreens on devices can only sense the position of one's fingers, offering no haptic feedback. But wait no more, a new technology will now allow users to touch and feel the products being sold on online platforms.

Researchers from IIT-Madras have developed a new display technology called 'iTad' (interactive Touch Active Display) which can mimic textures such as gritty surfaces and crisp edges. The device consists of an in-built multi-touch sensor that detects the movement of the finger and surface friction, adjusted via a software. 

The electric fields are controlled via a physical phenomenon known as ‘electroadhesion', where the software modulates friction as fingers travel across the smooth plane. This enables users to feel the textures of objects on the display. 

An IIT-Madras statement says, "When we add feedback, interaction with computers becomes experiential. iTad is unlike anything in the market today because it combines multi-touch sensing with haptics on the same layer." 

The research was primarily led by Professor M Manivannan, department of applied mechanics, at IIT-Madras. “This is the era of iTad. The technology can take online shopping experience to the next level. We can touch and feel things before we buy from e-commerce platforms. Around 30 percent of returns to online shopping are due to the mismatch of user experience," said the professor. 

A start-up incubated at IIT-M Research Park called Merkel Haptics has also been working with Touchlab to take the innovation ahead. Moreover, the main applications of iTad would benefit automotive, consumer electronics, medical, aid for visually challenged and other related areas. 

Merkel Haptics CEO Dr PV Padmapriya gave further details on the current state of iTad with an estimated launch date, along with its potential for real-world applications. "The prototype from the Touchlab can be made into a product in a year's time,” said the CEO, adding, “Our aim is to make a small device, similar to a computer mouse, on everyone's desk to add to the experience. We have been field testing and providing valuable feedback to the researchers at IIT Madras on improving the functionality of the technology."