Virtual Reality (VR) has introduced us to whole new world literally and its getting more immersive. Some may think that VR is already at its best but it lacks the feeling of realistically being in a real world. One of the basic aspect that it lacks is the sense of touch. Fortunately, companies like Meta and HaptX are working for years on gloves that stimulate sensation in VR, haptic gloves. We are now a step closer to touch sensation in VR as HaptX Gloves G1 is released.
HaptX, a company based in Redmond Washington, has released their new HaptX Gloves G1. The Gloves uses an Airpack, a lightweight backpack with a 3-hour battery to channel air into the Gloves. The Gloves consist small motors (actuators) using air pressure to move the skin and restrict hand movements to simulate the sensation of touching an object via microfluidic technology. The gloves has a life expectancy of 18 months and comes in four sizes – small, medium, large and extra large.
HaptX Gloves G1 is available for preorder as an enterprise device, priced at $5495 per pair but $4500 when bought in bundle. The Best Fit Bundle comes with a pair each of Small, Medium, Large and XL. The Gloves requires a non-refundable 10% deposit and a $495 monthly subscription that includes the Airpack, development kit (SDK) and a support / maintenance plan. Shipping is estimated to begin in the 3rd quarter of 2023.
HaptX SDK enables developers to create applications for the Gloves. Developers can access the SDK using HaptX API or Unreal / Unity plugins to control actuators. The plugins will automatically render the feedbacks based on the interactions in game engines. Advance developers with C++ knowledge can integrate the Gloves with other softwares.