Realizing the Tactile Internet: Haptic Communications over Next Generation 5G Cellular Networks

TL;DR

This paper reviews the emerging concept of the Tactile Internet, focusing on the challenges and initial solutions for enabling real-time haptic communications over next-generation 5G networks, which could revolutionize digital skills and labor delivery.

Contribution

It provides an overview of the key design challenges and proposes initial approaches to realize the Tactile Internet and haptic communications over 5G networks.

Findings

Identifies major design challenges for the Tactile Internet

Proposes initial solutions for haptic communication over 5G

Highlights the potential impact on digital skills and labor

Abstract

Prior Internet designs encompassed the fixed, mobile and lately the things Internet. In a natural evolution to these, the notion of the Tactile Internet is emerging which allows one to transmit touch and actuation in real-time. With voice and data communications driving the designs of the current Internets, the Tactile Internet will enable haptic communications, which in turn will be a paradigm shift in how skills and labor are digitally delivered globally. Design efforts for both the Tactile Internet and the underlying haptic communications are in its infancy. The aim of this article is thus to review some of the most stringent design challenges, as well as proposing first avenues for specific solutions to enable the Tactile Internet revolution.