Haptics (pronounced HAP-tiks) is the science of applying touch (tactile)
sensation and control to interaction with computer applications. (The
word derives from the Greek haptein meaning "to fasten.") By
using special input/output devices (joysticks, data gloves, or other
devices), users can receive feedback from computer applications in the
form of felt sensations in the hand or other parts of the body. In
combination with a visual display, haptics technology can be used to
train people for tasks requiring hand-eye coordination, such as surgery
and space ship maneuvers. It can also be used for games in which you
feel as well as see your interactions with images. For example, you
might play tennis with another computer user somewhere else in the
world. Both of you can see the moving ball and, using the haptic
device, position and swing your tennis racket and feel the impact of
the ball.