3D Systems Launches Haptic Stylus, Software Development Kit

3D Systems (3DS) has released its Touch haptic 3D stylus with a software developer kit (SDK) for digital design and virtual gaming. The device is to be showcased at CES 2015 with a demo game called HapStack, which uses the Oculus Rift VR headset and stylus to immerse the player.

The stylus comes with Cubify Sculpt software for virtual sculpting and design. Developers are also eligible to register for the DSK on the 3DS Developer’s Portal.

“We are absolutely thrilled to introduce our new Touch haptic 3D stylus, a powerful and affordable perceptual tool for the benefit of all gamers, artists and designers,” said Peter Theran, vice president, Global Consumer Products, 3DS.

3DS has also partnered with Topcoder to create a series of challenges in gaming, education, art, digital jewelry design, medical and more. According to a company press release, the series will center on the convergence of haptics, virtual and 3D printing to bridge a connection between human-machine interaction.

“3D printing, virtual reality and haptics are three new technologies that are having a profound impact on our personal and professional lives,” said Narinder Singh, president of Topcoder. “Topcoder is excited to help 3D Systems democratize digital design and application development by leveraging our global crowdsourcing community to generate creative ideas and quickly connect to the right talent.”

For more information, visit 3D Systems and Topcoder.

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company’s website.