The Haptic Interfaces of the Next Decade

The last decade has seen significant advances in research on haptic interfaces. High-performance haptic devices have been developed, some of which are commercially available. What problems will we meet in the next decade?This panel will explore cutting-edge issues and the scope of new frontiers in haptic interfaces. Topics to be discussed are: New mechanisms of haptic interfaces. Various exoskeletons and manipulators have been developed. How will they be extended? What other configurations of haptic interfaces are possible?New application areas. Medical applications of haptic interface are very active now. What will be the next successful application? Home-use haptic interfaces may be one of the ultimate goals. What barriers are there for home use? Full-body haptics and foot haptics. One of the new frontiers of haptic interfaces is full-body haptics, including foot haptics. Force applied to a whole body plays a very important role in locomotion. What are the issues for full-body haptics?