Credit: Pixabay
Researchers at the University of Southern California (USC) have developed a wearable haptic system with gloves and armbands that allows virtual reality users to exchange physical touches.
The system consists of gloves and armbands equipped with small vibration motors that simulate the sensation of pressure and movement. This technology will help combat the growing digital loneliness and “touch addiction” – a phenomenon that has become especially noticeable in the era of virtual communication.
The gloves allow users to perform and feel pats, handshakes and hugs in a shared virtual space. They can also interact with virtual objects and receive realistic haptic feedback when passing items or performing joint actions.
Lab tests have revealed how gesture speed and vibration patterns affect users’ emotional and sensory experiences. These findings help scientists better understand how to create engaging and realistic haptic interactions in VR and improve the technology.
