The metaverse and AR/VR boom have created urgent demand for touch interfaces that replicate physical sensations. In 2026, haptic touch sensors are integrated into VR gloves and AR headsets, allowing users to “feel” virtual objects—from the texture of a virtual fabric to the recoil of a simulated tool. HTC’s Vive XR Elite headset features a touch-enabled face cushion that adjusts pressure dynamically, reducing user fatigue during 2-hour+ sessions. For industrial training, haptic touch panels are used in simulators for heavy machinery operation, providing realistic feedback to improve safety. Startups like bHaptics are partnering with touchscreen manufacturers to miniaturize haptic actuators, targeting consumer AR glasses by 2028.
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