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Dexmo

Virtual reality headsets like the HTC Vive and Oculus Rift tin create realistic virtual worlds, and move controllers can even let you interact with objects in them. However, this is the part of the VR feel that tin feel less than immersive. While you can see all these virtual objects, yous can't feel them. A Chinese company called Dexta Robotics wants to alter that with hook-like exoskeleton gloves chosen Dexmo.

The idea is that objects in VR should have a certain size, equally indicated by the fashion they are rendered. If a computer knows how large something is and the position of your hand, it should theoretically exist able to generate a tactile response. The result could be true feedback on your fingers as you close them effectually a virtual rubber duck or the handle of a rocket launcher. Those objects would have different sizes, shapes, and even consistencies.

Dexmo is wireless and (allegedly) light plenty that it won't exist fatiguing to utilize. At that place'south a loop for each fingertip, which is connected to an arm that pulls back on your fingers to simulate the strength of grasping an object. It has kind of a spider-y vibe when you see information technology in activity.

In addition to simulating how big an object in VR is, Dexmo tin provide a sense of firmness by varying how abrupt the arms pull back on your fingers. For example, the handle of a sword would have very petty requite. But you lot'd experience a more gradual increment in forcefulness as y'all closed your hand around a virtual pillow.

Every bit you can run across in the demo video above, the Dexmo exoskeleton appears to exist in real life (there accept been a few earlier prototypes, likewise). Dexta Robotics has created custom software to test the exoskeleton, and that's all information technology works with right now. The visitor says it doesn't want to release Dexmo until at that place's actually consumer software bachelor that can take advantage of information technology. That's going to mean getting together with ane of the big VR makers. The bulk of the demo uses an HTC Vive, which has better motion command than the competition correct now — you can see the controllers attached to the gloves. The company has too tested Dexmo with HoloLens, the Oculus Rift, and existent-world applications like controlling robots.

Gaming is the obvious utilize case correct now, merely virtual reality in full general will likely have more applications in the future. Integrating a sense of touch into the virtual globe could be the next big step in recreating the Star Trek holodeck. However, Dexta Robotics hasn't speculated on how much its exoskeleton gloves might toll. They certain look expensive.