Scientists at Carnegie Mellon University’s Future Interfaces Group have unveiled a remarkable breakthrough in display technology that could potentially revolutionize how screens function. The team has developed a display that can generate tiny, physical bumps when touched, creating a tactile experience that is truly unique. This innovation could make it possible for future screens to be operated through raised haptics, giving users a more immersive and interactive experience.
As reported by TechCrunch, the researchers shared a video and a research paper demonstrating the new display, which features miniaturized hydraulic pumps that can be activated separately to create dynamic, tactile bumps in a compact form factor. The technology could be used for a range of applications, such as pop-up keyboards with a different feel than the standard screen, custom-shaped buttons for controlling system functions, and even tactile notifications.
The hardware is self-contained, lightweight, and relatively slim at 5mm, making it an ideal candidate for integration into mobile devices. While this is emergent technology that is currently owned by Carnegie Mellon, it’s easy to imagine future smartphones using this kind of functionality. Apple, for example, has already adopted haptic vibrations for touch-based feedback, but raised haptics would add another dimension to the display.
The team also showcased a number of concepts, including a pop-up music interface that displays raised music controls for playback, and a button on a smartphone that pulses up and down until it’s pressed. With the ability to generate dynamic, tactile feedback, this new display has the potential to transform the way we interact with technology.
While it remains to be seen whether this technology will be integrated into future devices, it’s undoubtedly an exciting prospect. Apple, in particular, could use this kind of technology for a device that folds flat but has a pop-out keyboard when in use, as well as for accessibility use cases for people with sight problems. Only time will tell, but the future is looking brighter for truly immersive and interactive displays.
