From Concept to Innovation: The Humble Beginnings of the HET

The HET was born as a senior design project, funded by a government grant aimed at advancing haptic technology. Initially, the prototype focused on interpreting just three emotional states: happy, angry, and neutral. This foundational concept demonstrated the potential of wearable haptic feedback to bridge the gap in nonverbal communication for individuals who are blind, low-vision, or autistic. From these humble beginnings, the HET has evolved into a more sophisticated device, paving the way for greater social and professional autonomy.