Japanese researchers at Shinshu University have made a significant step forward in developing technology that could make catgirl fans’ dreams come true in virtual reality. According to a recent report, a team led by Professor Kazunori Umeda has unveiled a prototype device that can stimulate the sensation of touching an animal’s fur through artificial skin and vibrotactile mechanisms.
In the experiment, 20 participants used avatars with cat ears in a VR environment and experienced a situation in which their cat ears were stroked by another avatar. The experimental conditions consisted of four combinations of “with/without tactile stimulation” and “with/without visual shaking of the cat ears,” and each participant experienced all conditions.
As a result, in the conditions of tactile stimulation and shaking of the cat ears, scores were significantly higher on items related to “a sense of ownership” (“I felt like the cat ears were part of my body,” “I felt like the cat ears belonged to me”); items related to tactile attitude (“I felt a touch where the cat ears were being stroked”); and items related to the feeling of having additional ears (“I felt like I was growing cat ears”).
Although the technology is still in its early stages, scientists hope it will find applications not only for entertainment but also for therapeutic purposes, helping people cope with stress.
