Enabling Bi-directional Haptic Control in Next Generation Communication Systems: Research, Standards, and Vision

TL;DR

This paper discusses the challenges and standards related to enabling real-time bi-directional haptic communication in next-generation networks, emphasizing the role of edge computing and identifying research gaps.

Contribution

It provides an updated analysis of standardization efforts, highlights technology gaps, and proposes open research topics for bi-directional haptic control in Tactile Internet.

Findings

Edge computing is crucial for low-latency haptic communication.

Current standards have gaps hindering bi-directional haptic control.

Identifies key research areas for future development.

Abstract

Human sensing information such as audio (hearing) and visual (sight) or a combination thereof audiovisual are transferred over communication networks. Yet interacting sense of touch (haptic) and particularly the kinaesthetic (muscular movement) component has much stricter end-to-end latency communication requirements between tactile ends. The statements in this paper, to enable bi-directional haptic control, indeed follow the widely accepted understanding that edge computing is a key driver behind Tactile Internet aiming to bring control and user plane services closer to where they are needed. However, with an updated wider analysis of (pre)standardisation activities that are chartered around Tactile Internet, this paper highlights the technology gaps and recommends open research topics in this area.