From Sci-Fi to Sitcoms, Six Media References to Haptics

How Haptics Made Its Mark in These Six TV Shows and Films

Once a term confined to the realms of tech enthusiasts and sci-fi aficionados, haptics has now permeated our daily lives. This shift into everyday vernacular is a testament to the rapid strides in technology and the growing demand for more engaging, immersive experiences. Haptics is no longer a niche concept but becoming a standard feature, often highlighted in reviews of gadgets and consumer electronics.

Haptics technology, now a staple in smartphones, is probably most known for creating a buzz or vibration when receiving text messages and notifications.  However, it can also enhance media consumption by adding a tactile dimension—for example, Apple has recently introduced “Music Haptics” to their latest iOS, which allows users to experience music in a different way. Haptics is also prevalent in gaming and virtual reality applications, giving gamers an added layer of immersion, as well as in IoT, giving users tactile cues when interacting with their devices. 

These days, you’re likely to hear talk about a device’s haptic features whenever a new consumer electronic product is released. It’s finally making its way into popular culture, with a cameo in songs, TV shows, and movies. Below, we’ve curated some of the most popular instances where haptics have been mentioned. 

TV Series: Big Bang Theory, Season 8 Episode 21

“So the ideal interstellar lingua franca would be haptic.”

Source: TBS

In an episode of The Big Bang Theory, the character Sheldon Cooper uses the term “haptic” during one of his typical quirky conversations. While the use of the word is somewhat humorous and speculative, it showcases how scientific and tech-related terms like “haptic” are gradually entering the mainstream consciousness. The show frequently mixes complex tech jargon with humor, reflecting the growing familiarity of these terms in everyday dialogue.

TV Series: Westworld, Season 2 Episode 7

“Retasking the haptic vest to emulate the host mesh network.”

Westworld explores the immersive experience of interacting with hyper-realistic androids in a futuristic theme park. The mention of a “haptic vest” hints at how technology in this world allows users to feel physical sensations in a highly realistic, albeit artificial, environment. While not the focus, this use of haptics illustrates its critical role in enhancing the simulated experience in virtual or fictional worlds.

TV Series: What We Do In The Shadows, Season 5 Episode 4

“It could also be under sounds and haptics.”

This mockumentary-style comedy about vampires hilariously references haptics when one of the characters interacts with a modern-day phone, specifically mentioning the “Sounds and Haptics” setting. The joke emphasizes the absurdity of centuries-old vampires trying to adapt to modern technology. The mention is brief, but it showcases how haptics has become a casual part of technology we use every day, even in a show rooted in fantasy and supernatural elements.

Movie: Ready Player One 

“I’ll tell you what, I’m soiling my haptics right now.”

“What kind of haptics you rockin’?”

Ready Player One is set in a dystopian future where people escape into a virtual world called the OASIS. In this virtual reality, haptic suits are key to fully experiencing the digital environment. The suits provide tactile feedback, allowing characters to feel the virtual world’s sensations as if they were real. The film’s depiction of haptics shows the potential of the technology to provide a fully immersive experience, from detecting collisions to feeling subtle textures in virtual worlds.

TV Series:  The Peripheral | S01E03 – “Haptic Drift” 

Source: Amazon Prime

In a near-future world, technology has blurred the lines between reality and virtual environments. The third episode introduces the concept of “haptic drift,” where physical and virtual objects no longer align, causing disorientation. The term, while speculative, reflects a potential challenge in haptic systems, where feedback could become less accurate over time. The show uses this idea to highlight the delicate balance between physical sensation and virtual experiences.

TV Series: Ashley Garcia: Genius In Love | S01E03 – “Haptics” 

In this episode, the young genius Ashley Garcia introduces her friend Tad to haptic technology to help him impress someone. Ashley’s boss, Dr. Conner, is working on a robotic hand that can feel touch and sensation, which demonstrates the challenges and possibilities of haptics in robotics, particularly in prosthetics. The episode intertwines this scientific exploration with humor and personal development.

The Future of Haptics is more than a Buzz

Haptic technology has expanded beyond its origins in specialized technical applications, establishing itself as a pivotal component of our everyday interactions. Its integration into consumer electronics, like smartphones and wearables, demonstrates its growing significance. 

This broader adoption makes the term ‘haptic’ increasingly familiar to the general public, fostering a greater appreciation and understanding of its potential. As the concept becomes more mainstream, it not only educates the public but also encourages industry-wide innovation, benefiting developers, designers, and end-users alike.