A system for simulating the forces associated with touching objects in a virtual reality simulator system includes a panel that contains an example of the various types of switches, knobs and any other item or object being simulated that is to be touched by a user of the system. The panel is attached as the payload of a robotic positioning device controlled by a computer. The computer is connected to a tracker and a flexible lightweight data glove worn by the user. The computer maintains a database that includes the positions of all of the controls being simulated by the system. The computer uses the trajectory data to determine the position of the robotic device.