HydroHaptics lets you feel shape and texture through soft, flexible devices

Researchers at the University of Bath have unveiled an innovative technology called HydroHaptics that lets users literally feel the shape and texture of objects through flexible devices. At its core is a soft, liquid-filled silicone dome paired with a miniature motor that generates realistic tactile feedback. Early prototypes include a computer mouse with a deformable surface, a 3D joystick, a backpack with straps for vibration cues, and a pillow for smart-home control. The concept is simple, and the promise feels refreshingly tangible.

HydroHaptics offers precise two-way feedback without sacrificing the softness and flexibility of the materials—an advantage that matters for gaming, 3D modeling, and wearables. It comes across as one of the rare moments when haptic tech makes interacting with devices genuinely intuitive and useful rather than merely entertaining. That balance between fidelity and comfort seems to be the point here.

The team believes that, with investment, the first commercial devices could reach the market within one to two years. For now, the technology remains in the lab, but its scope is striking—from personal gaming accessories to wearables that can guide the way or control home systems by touch. If that trajectory holds, touch could start to feel like a natural interface rather than an add-on.