3-D computer designs take form with magnetic device

Carnegie Mellon University researchers have developed a device that could allow people to feel textures and shapes of 3-D designs created on computers -- without awkward mechanical gear.

The university announced Tuesday that it could soon be possible to feel objects created on computers through a touch-based, or haptic, interface, without using gloves, similar equipment, or force feedback. One lightweight moving part floats on magnetic fields and simulates various sensations people experience when they touch real objects.

"We believe this device provides the most realistic sense of touch of any haptic interface in the world today," Ralph Hollis, a research professor in Carnegie Mellon's robotics institute, said in a news announcement.

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