DOCOMO Announces World's First Technology that Utilizes Human-Augmentation Platform for Sharing Haptic Information Between People
TOKYO, Jan 25, 2023 - (JCN Newswire) - NTT DOCOMO, INC., the Embodied Media Project led by Professor Kouta Minamizawa at Keio University Graduate School of Media Design and the Haptics Lab led by Professor Yoshihiro Tanaka at Nagoya Institute of Technology announced today they have developed a technology, called FEEL TECHTM, that enables haptic information to be shared between people via a human-augmentation platform that DOCOMO unveiled in January 2022.
 | FEEL TECH's broad scope of potential applications |
 | Structure of human-augmentation platform |
The FEEL TECH system, which DOCOMO believes is the world's first to share haptic information, comprises a device that detects a person's sensory state, a "driving" device that physically reproduces the same state in another person, and the human-augmentation platform that shares the information between devices connected to a network. Haptic information is quantified in terms of human-touch vibrations measured with a device similar to a Piezoelectric sensor. The vibrations are reproduced with a driving device, such as a transducer that vibrates when electricity is applied. Haptic sensations and corresponding video images are shared from one person ("presenter") to another person ("target"). To achieve crucial synchronization of the haptic and video data being shared, the platform is expected eventually to make full use of the ultra-low latency that will be offered in forthcoming 6G mobile networks.
The human-augmentation platform is also notable for its capacity to learn the physical characteristics of each target person and then adjust the presenter's haptic information (degree of strength, etc.) so that the target can perceive the information easily and clearly. Furthermore, the platform can record the presenter's sense of touch and share it with the target over time.
The platform can share haptic information between diverse people and device and across time. For example, an amateur craftsman could use the system to grasp the subtle techniques of a master craftsman, or individuals could use it to haptically recall sensations, etc. they experienced at a younger age.
The system will make it possible to share sensations that conventionally have been difficult, if not impossible, to convey through images, sound, text or words alone. Accordingly, the system is expected to find practical applications in fields that rely on human senses, such as medicine and art. Also, shoppers on e-commerce sites could use it to experience the subtle feel of clothing fabrics, among other rich experiences not possible using other advanced technologies such as 3D or augmented reality.
In view of the wide range of devices that could be interconnected via the human-augmentation platform, DOCOMO is now collaborating with diverse partners who offer value-added technologies suited to specific devices, which is expected to support the steady expansion of sharing existing and all-new types of sensory information.
For the new technology, Keio University developed the driving device and sensory information for sharing, Nagoya Institute of Technology developed the device that detects the sensory states of people and an algorithm that interprets different sensory characteristics, and DOCOMO integrated these various elements in its human-augmentation platform.
DOCOMO's vision for its human-augmentation platform includes achieving ubiquitous human bodies, sharing skills, sharing emotions, sharing five senses, and telepathy & telekinesis. In addition to having achieved the ubiquitous human bodies and sharing skills, DOCOMO has now realized sharing five senses.
Going forward, by further extending possibilities for transmitting emotions, the five senses, etc. through increasingly advanced technologies, DOCOMO hopes to contribute to greater wellness and better understanding of problems such as harassment in global society.
FEEL TECH will be introduced during the "docomo Open House '23" online event beginning on Thursday, February 2 and at DOCOMO's booth at MWC Barcelona 2023 beginning on Sunday, February 27.
Please also see: Development of Human Augmentation Platform for New Value in the 6G Era www.docomo.ne.jp/info/news_release/2022/01/17_00.html (Japanese only) DOCOMO 6G White Paper www.docomo.ne.jp/english/corporate/technology/whitepaper_6g/ docomo Open House '23 www.docomo.ne.jp/english/corporate/technology/rd/openhouse/openhouse2023/ MWC Barcelona 2023 www.mwcbarcelona.com/2023-interest
About NTT DOCOMO
NTT DOCOMO, Japan's leading mobile operator with over 85 million subscriptions, is one of the world's foremost contributors to 3G, 4G and 5G mobile network technologies. Beyond core communications services, DOCOMO is challenging new frontiers in collaboration with a growing number of entities ("+d" partners), creating exciting and convenient value-added services that change the way people live and work. Under a medium-term plan toward 2020 and beyond, DOCOMO is pioneering a leading-edge 5G network to facilitate innovative services that will amaze and inspire customers beyond their expectations. www.docomo.ne.jp/english/.
About Keio University
Established in 1858 by Yukichi Fukuzawa as a small school of Western learning, Keio has a history as Japan's very first private institution of higher learning. Over 160 years since its founding, Keio has thrived under its founder's motto of jitsugaku, or empirical science, as it continues to transform Japan as a modern nation through contributions to education, research, and medicine.
About Nagoya Institute of Technology
Nagoya Institute of Technology (NITech) was founded as the first national institution of higher education in central Japan in order to develop the region as Japan's center of industry. Maintaining a respect for this historic mission and acting as one of the leading engineering institutes in Japan, NITech shall therefore make its fundamental mission as follows: developing revolutionary science and technologies, fostering rich human resources, and contributing to peace and social welfare of the future by acting as a source to consistently produce and develop new industries and culture.
Source: NTT DOCOMO Sectors: Telecoms, 5G, Wireless, Apps
Copyright ©2023 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. A division of Japan Corporate News Network.
|
Latest Release
 Olympus Names Wenlei Yang the Newly Established Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer May 29, 2023 15:00 JST
|  Olympus Names Wenlei Yang the Newly Established Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer May 29, 2023 15:00 JST
|  Toyota: Development and Verification of Stationary Storage Battery System Using Electric Vehicle Storage Batteries May 29, 2023 13:31 JST
|  Mitsubishi Electric and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Definitively Agree to Integrate Their Power-generator Systems Businesses May 29, 2023 11:24 JST
|  Liquid Hydrogen-Powered Corolla to Participate in the Super Taikyu Fuji 24 Hours Race May 29, 2023 09:08 JST
|  Imposing island challenge awaits TOYOTA GAZOO Racing May 26, 2023 17:35 JST
|  Results of a Collision Test Conducted on the Driver's Side of a Toyota RAIZE May 26, 2023 15:07 JST
|  LENVIMA (lenvatinib) Plus KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab) Demonstrates Long-Term, Durable Survival Benefit Versus Sunitinib as First-Line Treatment for Patients With Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma May 26, 2023 14:15 JST
|  'Fujitsu Technology and Service Vision 2023': sustainability and business converge to solve society's challenges May 26, 2023 10:12 JST
|  Eisai's Initiatives for Developing New Medicines for Neglected Tropical Diseases and Malaria May 25, 2023 21:02 JST
|  TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Opens Le Mans 24 Hours Special Website May 25, 2023 18:28 JST
|  Hitachi Enhances Diversity, Equity and Inclusion by Supporting LGBTQIA+ Community May 25, 2023 18:22 JST
|  Hitachi: Commencement of Joint Studies on Business Initiatives Towards the Development of Sustainable Finance May 25, 2023 16:10 JST
|  MHI Thermal Systems to Release Fully Revamped 3HP Model in "HyperInverter" Series of Packaged Air-Conditioners for Domestic Market May 25, 2023 12:02 JST
|  SumUp partners with JCB to boost card acceptance for European merchants within its 4-million-strong global network May 25, 2023 12:00 JST
|  Mazda 787B to Demonstrate at 24 Hours of Le Mans Centenary Anniversary May 25, 2023 10:43 JST
|  Honda to Participate in FIA Formula One World Championship from 2026 Season as Power Unit Supplier for Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant Formula One Team May 24, 2023 19:01 JST
|  Eisai Delivers New Data and Highlights Continued Progress of Oncology Portfolio and Pipeline at ASCO 2023 May 24, 2023 18:03 JST
|  Mitsubishi Power to Develop Hydrogen-Ready Power Plant for Sembcorp Industries May 24, 2023 16:06 JST
|  Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Completes Delivery of Ammonia Fuel Supply System for Large, Low-Speed Two Stroke Marine Engines May 24, 2023 09:41 JST
|
More Latest Release >>
|