Virtual reality PHANToM device. Thomas Masse using a virtual reality device called a PHANToM haptic (touch) interface. With this device he can feel" three-dimensional objects, such as the shapes on the computer monitor he is tracing. The temperature, texture, shape, weight and elasticity of remote objects are felt with a pen-like stylus (as seen here) or thimble sensor worn on a fingertip. This PHANToM operates within a 19.5x27x37.5 cm workspace and is sensitive to 0.03 millimetres. It may eventually be used in surgery, computer-aided design and home entertainment. Thomas Masse co-invented the PHANToM. Photographed at SensAble Technologies, Massachusetts, USA."