The march forward toward more and more advanced computer capabilities means that engineers can expect to use their computers to be able to visualize the final outcome of a design or project much earlier in the process. This is called haptic technology. Sarma's research is centered in the field of haptic systems, also called force-feedback systems. Haptic systems are meant to create the perception of touch through a computer-aided device and accompanying software. The device that Sarma is working to perfect, for computer numerically controlled milling machines and for other uses, looks rather like a small robotic arm that sits in front of the computer screen.
Users touch the tip of the arm, which exerts an external force on the fingertip.
This creates the illusion that users are interacting with the solid virtual objects represented on the computer screen. As they move the arm about, it feels as though they're tracing the surface of the computerized object. To effectively mimic a sense of touch, the device must update its force at a cycle rate of 1,000 hertz, Sarma said. He and his fellow researchers are seeking to create a device that can attain that cycle rate and, therefore, have application in the solids modeling environment. Engineers who were to use a solid modeling system joined to a haptic device could design not only by sight, but also by feel.