Credit: Pixabay
Scientists from the University of Tokyo have demonstrated how to pet a cat that isn’t there: they created a VR system with ultrasonic feedback that simulates the sensation of having a cat nearby. The development is designed to reduce stress and has performed well in testing.
The device consists of two main components. One is a standard pair of virtual reality glasses, which allows you to see an image of a cat. The second part is a special system that helps you experience the same sensations as touching a real furry pet.
Haptic feedback simulates the animal’s fur, and special ultrasound waves create the effect of subtle touches that simulate its “breathing.” The virtual animal behaves in a relaxed manner: sometimes purring, sometimes yawning, sometimes falling asleep, sometimes turning its head toward its owner.
The technology was tested on 22 people. Participants reported that the sensations were realistic: they felt as if they were touching an animal and could pet it. The participants’ heart rate slowed for three minutes, producing a relaxing effect similar to that of interacting with a live cat.
The technology is proposed for use in therapy (in particular, it will help patients suffering from cat dander allergies).
