Engineers at the University of San Diego are currently developing a VR glove that will simulate haptic feedback. While the 3D sensor „Leap Motion“ takes over the spatial registration of the hands, rubber tubes form the artificial muscle fibres. They are guided along the fingers. An external compressor pumps air into the tubes (or lets it out). In this way, the resistances are simulated (by pressure).
Der Ansatz hat laut den Wissenschaftlern einige Vorteile, darunter das geringe Gewicht und die hohe Flexibilität. Das Ganze soll sich sogar für eine Massenproduktion eignen. Die vielen Schläuche und der laute Kompressor dürften hingegen etwas störend sein. „Das ist ein erster Prototyp, aber er funktioniert überraschenderweise sehr effektiv,“ so Michael Tolley, professor at the Jacobs School of Engineering in San Diego.
The aim of this project is to enable a better VR experience. The glove is also intended to be suitable for video games, but its use in surgery is also conceivable. Initial reactions from test persons were positive. The haptic elements were described as fascinating or amazing. Now the engineers want to develop the VR glove further and make it more compact and portable. Market readiness is apparently still a long way off. The video offers impressions.
Source: VRODO
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