Piezoelectric Haptic Actuators

Haptic actuators are revolutionary, next-generation haptics technology with the unique ability to provide localized bodily sensations and tactile effects currently unavailable with any other product in the market. These flexible and versatile actuators can be used in a broad range of applications including AR/VR, sports training, gaming controllers, as well as visionary products of the future that leverage human-computer interaction. With this thin and flexible piezoelectric film technology, designers can add the sense of touch to the surface of products providing:

• Localized, independent sensations that enhance user experience
• Natural, organic, authentic touch sensations
• Programmable, customizable effects providing a unique range of sensations

Haptic actuators are similar in operation to ceramic piezo-electric devices but instead of being made from relatively large and heavy ceramic materials, they are made from flexible polymer film materials that result in very thin actuators. They can be driven using a microcontroller, amplifier, and feedback loop mechanism that when stimulated with different waveforms, a variety of high-definition, localized tactile sensations can be created. 

Due to their very thin and lightweight design, these actuators can be integrated onto both rigid and flexible surfaces to deliver very precise and localized haptic response. While not a strict replacement to the coarse response of piezoelectric ceramics and eccentric rotating masses, these devices can be used in conjunction with more traditional haptic elements to deliver fine-point feedback in addition to the coarse feedback offered by other mechanical response devices.