July 31, 2009

Nyon, Switzerland - Force Dimension is pleased to announce the new release of the CHAI-3D open source haptic libraries.

Over the past 5 years, CHAI-3D has aimed at building a high-performance, easy-to-use and open source framework to unify the development of haptic-enabled simulations and facilitate the integration of computer haptics in existing applications. The new 2.0 version of CHAI-3D builds on solid development experience and user feedback, and combines the expertise of academic and industrial partners who contributed a large number of research and production projects, in such diverse areas as games, simulators, educational software, interactive art, scientific visualization, robotics, and medical applications.

CHAI-3D 2.0 is a major rewrite of the original framework base, and comes with many new features, such as dynamic simulation for both rigid and deformable models. The new version also adds support for new platforms and architectures: it is now available for the 32-bit and 64-bit editions of Windows, MacOS X and Linux.

Written in C++, CHAI-3D has been designed to make it easier and more intuitive for developers to produce applications that combine 3D modeling with force-feedback rendering capabilities. By transparently supporting most commercial haptic interfaces, CHAI-3D offers a unique framework to easily link your applications with any compatible haptic device connected to your computer. The new release also provides templates and examples to assist developers in easily integrating their home-made haptic devices, providing researchers with a convenient way to interface their device with sophisticated haptic simulations.

Support for third party components is also achieved through well organized extension modules that expand the capabilities of the CHAI-3D core foundations. Extension modules currently include support for the ODE and GEL dynamics engines, making it possible to simulate rigid and deformable bodies in real time.

The new version is available for download on the CHAI-3D website (www.chai3d.org).