Disney may not be the word on everyone's lips when it comes to innovation but their research lab came to our attention this week with their very exciting presentation of REVEL technology.

Reverse electrovibration (REVEL) uses electrical charge to add or enhance textures on any conductible 2D or 3D object or surface, which can then be felt the person hooked up to the equipment as long as they're sharing the same ground as the object.

In a nutshell, it works by injecting an imperceptible electrical charge into the user's body and then the friction between the object or surface and moving finger is modulated to create the sensation of texture in the fingertip. As well as adding controllable textures (which can be manipulated by changing the properties of the electrical signal), REVEL works on touchscreens and can be used to intensify the feeling of what's already there. We know that people are increasingly searching for more tangible experiences so in a way REVEL subverts this want by using the digital to augment tactile, physical sensations.

For a more detailed account of how it works and to see REVEL’s potential uses, click here.