A hand virtually sculpting with haptic feedback.

Feel the Cut: How Haptic Technology Is Revolutionizing 3D Carving

Lena Voss in Tech & Innovation September 2025 • 4 min read.

"Step into the future of digital design where you can virtually carve with real-time force feedback, bringing digital sculpting closer to reality."

Imagine sculpting a virtual object and feeling the resistance of the material against your tool. That's the promise of haptic technology, which is rapidly evolving to bring the sense of touch into digital environments. Originally confined to visual and auditory experiences, computing is now incorporating the tactile, opening doors to more immersive and realistic simulations.

One exciting application of this technology lies in 3D carving simulators, which allow users to remove virtual material from a 3D mesh object with realistic force feedback. This innovation, termed “3D carving,” has profound implications for various fields, most notably in surgical training where precision and feel are paramount.

This article explores the innovative work of Gabriel Telles O'Neill, Won-Sook Lee, and Jeff William from the University of Ottawa, who have developed a haptic-based 3D carving simulator. Their research paves the way for enhanced training in medical procedures, improved modeling techniques, and new possibilities in gaming and virtual reality.

What is Haptic-Based 3D Carving and Why Does It Matter?

A hand virtually sculpting with haptic feedback.

Haptic-based 3D carving simulates the process of removing material from a digital object in a way that mimics real-world sculpting or machining. The system uses a voxel-set to represent the volume of virtual objects, creating a polygonal mesh from this voxel-set to provide a smooth visual representation. The magic happens when the user interacts with the object using a haptic device, typically a pen-based tool, which delivers force feedback that corresponds to the virtual material's resistance.

The core benefit of this technology is its ability to provide realistic training environments. For instance, surgical residents can practice bone reduction procedures with the sensation of drilling through bone without the risks associated with real surgery. This hands-on experience builds muscle memory and refines the skills needed for precise surgical interventions.

Enhanced Surgical Training: Allows trainees to develop essential skills in a safe, controlled environment.
Realistic Force Feedback: Simulates the tactile sensations of carving different materials.
Versatile Applications: Applicable in modeling, game development, and the creation of destructible environments.
Dynamic Mesh Updates: Ensures smooth visuals by quickly updating the mesh as material is removed.

Beyond medical applications, haptic-based 3D carving is finding its place in design and entertainment. Modelers can use it to create complex shapes and terrains, while game developers can implement more realistic destructible objects. The key is the system's ability to provide a tactile dimension, making digital interactions more engaging and intuitive.

The Future of Touch: Where is Haptic Carving Headed?

The future of haptic-based 3D carving is ripe with possibilities. As technology evolves, we can expect even more realistic force feedback, allowing users to discern between various material textures and densities. Imagine a system capable of differentiating between cortical bone and bone marrow during a virtual surgery—this level of detail will enhance the training experience and improve surgical outcomes.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.5772/8682, Alternate LINK

Title: Haptic-Based 3D Carving Simulator

Journal: Advances in Haptics

Publisher: InTech

Authors: Gabriel Telles, Won-Sook Lee, Jeff William

Published: 2010-04-01

Everything You Need To Know

What is haptic-based 3D carving, and why is it significant?

Haptic-based 3D carving simulates removing material from a digital object, providing force feedback to mimic real-world sculpting or machining. It uses a voxel-set to represent the volume of virtual objects and creates a polygonal mesh for a smooth visual representation. The haptic device delivers force feedback corresponding to the resistance of the virtual material. It matters because it provides realistic training environments, allowing users to develop essential skills in a safe, controlled environment.

What specific benefits does haptic-based 3D carving offer in surgical training?

The primary benefit lies in enhanced surgical training. Surgical residents can practice procedures with realistic tactile feedback, such as the sensation of drilling through bone, without the risks of real surgery. This builds muscle memory and refines the skills necessary for precise surgical interventions. This is achieved through realistic force feedback simulating the tactile sensations of carving different materials.

Beyond medical applications, where else is haptic-based 3D carving useful?

Besides surgical training, haptic-based 3D carving is useful in modeling, game development, and creating destructible environments. Modelers can create complex shapes and terrains. Game developers can implement more realistic destructible objects. The technology adds a tactile dimension, making digital interactions more engaging and intuitive. The system's ability to provide a tactile dimension makes digital interactions more engaging and intuitive.

How does the system ensure smooth visuals when material is removed during haptic-based 3D carving?

The system uses a voxel-set to represent the volume of the virtual objects. From the voxel-set, a polygonal mesh is created to provide a smooth visual representation. As material is removed during the haptic-based 3D carving process, dynamic mesh updates occur to maintain the visual integrity of the object. This ensures the visuals remain smooth and realistic, enhancing the user experience.

What does the future hold for haptic-based 3D carving, and what are the implications?

The future involves even more realistic force feedback, enabling users to distinguish between various material textures and densities. A system capable of differentiating between cortical bone and bone marrow during virtual surgery is conceivable. This level of detail will significantly improve the training experience and surgical outcomes. This also implies advancements in the haptic devices to provide more granular and realistic feedback, enhancing the overall immersion and effectiveness of the technology.