Disney Research has unveiled a new technology that can modify a person’s tactile perception of the physical world. ‘Revel’ can give almost any surface or object a new texture, providing dynamic sensations on touchscreens as well as furniture, walls, and human skin.

The technology is based on “Reverse Electrovibration” and it injects a weak electrical signal into the user’s body, creating an oscillating electrical field around the user’s skin. When they slide their fingers across a surface creating friction, the user perceives highly distinctive tactile textures that augment the physical object. Varying the properties of the signal can provide a wide range of tactile sensations. Watch the video below to learn more about this new technology:

Disney Research