January 23rd, 2025

3 min read

Imagine a world in which people could share not just thoughts and images, but also senses and physical experiences. Humanity would be able to connect on an entirely new level through a culture of mutual understanding.

This is the vision behind NTT DOCOMO’s FEEL TECH®, a technology that aims to revolutionize communication by enabling a deep, empathetic connection between individuals.

How FEEL TECH Works

FEEL TECH technology allows people to share human motions and senses in a way that is tailored to the individual on the receiving end. It enables the exchange of haptic information – that is, the physical sensations and movements we experience through touch – which is captured by specialized devices that detect the sensory state of the person providing the sensation. The system then uses a driving device to physically replicate this state in the recipient, creating an experience of profound understanding that goes beyond traditional ways of communicating.

The system is the result of an NTT DOCOMO collaboration with 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.

The technology behind this uses piezoelectric sensors to capture vibrations that correspond to the human touch. These vibrations are then transferred to a transducer, a device that converts electrical signals into vibrations that the recipient can feel. The key to the system’s success is the ability to synchronize these haptic sensations with corresponding video images, ensuring a seamless and accurate representation of the sensation. In the future, this synchronization will benefit from 6G mobile networks, allowing for ultra-low latency and near-instantaneous sharing of sensory information.

The Difference Personalization Makes

One of the most remarkable aspects of the FEEL TECH system is its personalization. The human-augmentation platform is designed to adapt to the unique physical characteristics of the person receiving the sensory information. For example, the platform can adjust the intensity or strength of the sensation depending on the recipient’s ability to perceive it. This ensures that the shared experience is both clear and comprehensible to the receiver, regardless of their sensory capabilities.

In addition, the platform can track and store sensory information over time. This means that experiences and sensations from the sender can be shared repeatedly with the recipient, creating a richer, more meaningful exchange.

Potential Applications of FEEL TECH

The potential of FEEL TECH is enormous, and its impact will likely be felt across various industries and disciplines. One of the most exciting aspects of the technology is its ability to share sensations that have traditionally been difficult or impossible to convey through images, sound or words alone.

  • Medical field: The ability to share sensory experiences could revolutionize medical training. For example, an aspiring surgeon could learn the delicate touch required for certain procedures by experiencing the sensations in real-time as felt by a skilled professional. Similarly, therapists could use the technology to offer new forms of sensory-based rehabilitation.
  • Art and culture: In the realm of the arts, FEEL TECH could provide new ways to experience and appreciate creative works. Imagine visiting an art gallery and not only seeing a painting but also feeling the texture and emotion behind the brushstrokes. Artists could share not just their visual art but the very tactile experiences they feel while creating it.
  • E-commerce: Perhaps one of the most immediate and practical uses of FEEL TECH is in online shopping. Shoppers could feel the fabric of clothes, the weight of an object, or the texture of a material before making a purchase – something that is currently impossible with traditional online shopping methods. This could dramatically enhance the e-commerce experience, making it more immersive and realistic.
  • Craftsmanship: The system could also allow individuals to learn subtle techniques from skilled craftsmen. A novice could feel the exact pressure and motions that a master craftsman uses when working with materials, making it easier to understand the nuances of different craft traditions.

The Future of FEEL TECH

As FEEL TECH continues to evolve, its creators envision a time in which sensations and experiences can be shared seamlessly across the globe. NTT DOCOMO’s vision extends beyond just sharing haptic feedback to include the transmission of all five senses, as well as emotions, skills and even telepathic communication. With the continued advancement of technologies such as 6G and AI, the possibilities for FEEL TECH seem limitless. And, by fostering deeper connections and empathy, the technology has the potential to contribute to a more harmonious and compassionate society.