Foldaway - Haptics

In a world where machines and electronic devices are becoming ubiquitous and portable, the quest for low-cost and ultra-portable haptic interfaces is exponentially growing. However, the market is currently populated either by bulky and expensive interfaces that render forces with high accuracy, either by simple devices that exploit vibrations to render a limited number of sensations. FOLDAWAY, is innovating the field by developing ultra-portable and low cost origami haptic interfaces.

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The device has three degrees of freedom and can interact with human fingers by tracking their motion and providing force, stiffness and texture perception. Through its unique origami manufacturing, it is the first interface of its kind that folds-away when not in use. Its palm size, and thin design, makes it the ideal user interface for any portable device. The manufacturing of these structures is cost competitive, scalable and does not require manual assembly.