IoT-Enhanced Haptic Feedback: Revolutionizing Healthcare Wellbeing in AR and VR

IoT-Enhanced Haptic Feedback: Revolutionizing Healthcare Wellbeing in AR and VR

C. V. Suresh Babu, Felixa S., Vidya A. J., Kamal Afzal S., David Joel Singh
Copyright: © 2024 |Pages: 30
DOI: 10.4018/979-8-3693-5493-3.ch011
OnDemand:
(Individual Chapters)
Available
$37.50
Current Special Offers
No Current Special Offers
TOTAL SAVINGS: $37.50

Abstract

This chapter presents a comprehensive exploration of the convergence of AR, VR, and Internet of Things in healthcare under the theme of “Wellbeing and IoT.” The intricacies of simulating touch, warmth, and resistance in AR and VR, along with the limitations of existing technologies, are examined in Section 2. Section 3 focuses on the development and integration of IoT-enabled haptic feedback devices, elucidating the role of sensors and actuators. Real-time data transmission and edge computing for minimizing latency are discussed in Section 4. Section 5 explores the integration of IoT-enabled devices with healthcare systems, providing benefits for professionals and patients. Security measures, user feedback collection, and continuous improvement processes are covered in Sections 6 and 7. Standardization, regulatory compliance, training, education, and future prospects are addressed in Sections 8 and 9. The chapter concludes in Section 10 by summarizing key insights and discussing broader implications for healthcare wellbeing through the incorporation of IoT-enabled haptic feedback.
Chapter Preview
Top

Introduction

The convergence of Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and the Internet of Things (IoT) has ushered in a new era of possibilities within the healthcare sector. This introductory section aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the interplay between these technologies, the importance of simulating physical sensations in healthcare, and how they align with the overarching theme of this book, “Wellbeing and IoT” in the context of AR and VR. The integration of haptic feedback systems within these environments is enhancing patient care, medical training, and overall healthcare experiences. IoT-enhanced haptic feedback systems are already being used in medical training, rehabilitation, pain management, and telemedicine. They provide safer and more effective learning experiences, allowing healthcare professionals to train with realistic simulations. Patients can benefit from immersive therapies, and remote consultations become more lifelike and personal. The rapid development of VR and AR highlights the demands of haptic feedback technologies, especially in portable or wearable formats. Haptic feedback technologies involve the use of advanced actuators to stimulate mechanoreceptors or afferent nerves under the skin to create sensation (Huang, Y., Yao, K., et al. 2022). This article explores the cutting-edge applications of IoT-enhanced haptic feedback in AR and VR, focusing on their potential to revolutionize healthcare and wellbeing. It also examines the challenges and ethical considerations associated with this technological shift, emphasizing the importance of striking a balance between innovation and responsible implementation

AR, VR, and IOT In Healthcare

The integration of AR, VR, and IoT in healthcare represents a groundbreaking fusion of digital and physical realms, offering innovative solutions to longstanding challenges. Augmented Reality, which overlays digital information onto the real world, Virtual Reality, which immerses users in entirely virtual environments, and the Internet of Things, which connects everyday objects and devices to the internet, together create a dynamic ecosystem for healthcare transformation.

According to Bi et al. (2020), AR, VR, and IoT are employed in healthcare for purposes ranging from patient monitoring and telemedicine to surgical training and rehabilitation. For instance, AR smart glasses, like Microsoft's HoloLens, can enable surgeons to visualize patient data and surgical plans in real-time during procedures, enhancing precision (Bi et al., 2020; Hiran et al., 2024). This immersive, technology-driven healthcare landscape enables real-time data collection and analysis, ultimately leading to more informed decision-making and improved patient outcomes.

Complete Chapter List

Search this Book:
Reset