bHaptics announced on the 10th that its bHaptics On-Device AI Audio-to-Haptic Engine was selected as a winner in the Artificial Intelligence category at the CES 2027 Innovation Awards. The engine analyzes sound from over 100 PC games and converts it into haptic feedback.
According to bHaptics, the CES Innovation Awards are hosted by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) and evaluate design and engineering across 37 technology product categories. The 2027 awards program saw a record-high of approximately 4,000 submissions, which were evaluated by industry experts. Having previously received a CES Innovation Award for TactSuit, its wearable haptic suit, bHaptics has now also won an award for its AI technology.
Going beyond traditional methods that adjust vibration intensity based on sound volume and frequency, a key feature of this engine is that it classifies sound types using its proprietary AI model. It identifies gunshots, explosions, impact sounds, and more in real time, delivering context-tailored vibrations to TactSuit. It physically translates recoil when shooting, impact from enemy attacks, and wind resistance while parachuting into tactile sensations. The AI has been trained to filter out background music and ambient sounds that do not require haptic feedback, reducing unnecessary vibrations.
bHaptics, which had primarily developed haptic technology for VR games, expanded its scope to PC games by debuting this AI engine in July 2026. Supported titles include Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4, VALORANT, and PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS, with compatible games being added through regular updates.
Users do not need to install separate haptic integration files for each supported game. The engine runs locally on the user's PC and is designed to minimize its impact on gaming performance by using minimal GPU resources or integrated graphics.
Users can adjust vibration intensity and patterns for individual sound effects—such as lowering vibration for weapon recoil while increasing it for taking damage. The Haptic Visualizer displays feedback in real time through a virtual avatar.
Founded in 2015 by graduates of the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), bHaptics is a developer of wearable haptic devices and software. Developing haptic vests, gloves, and proprietary software, the company continues to expand its technology application scope across XR and PC gaming.
