Northwestern University engineers have developed the first haptic device that achieves “human resolution,” meaning it accurately matches the sensing abilities of the human fingertip.

Called VoxeLite, the ultra-thin, lightweight, flexible, wearable device recreates touch sensations with the same clarity, detail and speed that skin naturally detects. Similar to a bandage, the device gently wraps around a fingertip to give digital touch the same realism people now expect from today’s screens and speakers.