Virtual reality does go a long way in enveloping a user into a secondary world, but doesn’t really provide much of an experience outside of visual and audio sensory. However, that could change soon, if Dextra Robotics has its way.
The robotics company recently held a Reddit AMA to discuss its latest invention, the Dexmo F2, which will enable the ability to touch objects within a virtual world. As the company explains, “It works like this, when the avatar you are controlling hits a digital object, a signal is sent back via our SDK to Dexmo F2 and the small activators activates, brakes the joint and locks the exoskeleton. When you further bend your finger inwards, a normal force will be created on your fingertip.”
Using special sensors, the device provides control in the virtual world as well, while also providing force feedback support. The device will also work in conjunction with the STEM system, so you can see virtual hands interact within the universe, signifying the experience even further.
The device is still in the very early stages yet when it comes to development, with only a rough 3D printed prototype serving as a working tool. However, Dextra Robotics hopes to make the final product out of quality metal, so that people can still feel surfaces and objects in a game without going through discomfort. The prototype is working well, though, as it’s incorporating Unity technology to allow the “feeling” of certain surfaces.
It won’t be too deep however, as the “feel” system only works on a basic level, without certain structures for textures. At least, not yet.
There’s no word on a release date for the tech, but Dextra hopes to launch a Kickstarter later this month to receive funding, and hopes to debut the Dexmo F2 kit for a price of around $200.
What do you think? Are you prepared to “feel” in a virtual world?
Source: Kotaku
