This paper presents a new technology for tactile feedback in augmented reality (AR) applications. It is based on the generation of a reverse electrovibration, which provokes a tactile sensation that is felt by users when they slide their fingers on a certain surface. Unlike traditional approaches to AR tactile displays, this solution does not rely on instrumenting real-world objects with active devices but on instrumenting the user’s body. It allows for the application of virtual tactile textures to both virtual and real objects and surfaces. This technology opens up the potential for really ubiquitous tactile interfaces that can be used almost anywhere, whenever the target objects and surfaces meet some compatibility constraints. Several ways to achieve the required compatibility are described.

The paper presents the design of the REVEL tactile display and its underlying physical principle, and describes several application scenarios, some already implemented and others of a more futuristic nature. The authors do a good job of comparing their proposal to the currently existing alternatives. They help readers understand the potential for this solution, without neglecting the limitations of the approach.