Corporeal technology coming to tablets, smartphones

The virtual world is about to get more realistic with the development of new technology that provides enhanced touch sensations to tablet computers and smartphones.

Introduced by Artificial Muscle, an electroactive polymer products developer, at the 2012 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES), the technology enables a smartphone or tablet to replicate a range of sensations through a series of pulses, the Associated Press reports. While today's devices may be able to imitate some basic corporeal sensations, Artificial Muscle's technology can let the user feel the vibrations of firing a shotgun or the revving of a motorcycle, as well as the outline of a button.

The technology uses Artificial Muscle's ViviTouch™ motor, which delivers carefully conceived vibrations to make the user feel he or she is holding a beating heart or pushing tiny balls around on a touchscreen. ViviTouch has previously been used to enhance the mobile gaming experience by enabling users to feel explosions, punches and other action.

The news provider doesn't identify any specific devices that the technology will be included in, but does say that Artificial Muscle is currently in talks with tablet manufacturers.

CES has served as a launching point for several innovations in mobile technology. In addition to ViviTouch, more than 100 new tablet models have been on display at the electronics trade show.