HaptX Gloves G1: High-end haptics get better and cheaper
HaptX introduces a new model haptic gloves. They are more comfortable, allow mobile use, and provide more realistic haptics.
HaptX has been working on particularly complex haptic gloves for companies for more than ten years. Each glove has 135 microchambers embedded in it, into which fluid is injected at high velocity to simulate touch with physical objects. These "haptic pixels" press the skin inward as much as half an inch.
The latest model of haptic gloves. | Image: HaptX
In addition, artificial tendons offer up to as much as eight pounds of resistance per finger, simulating the shape and size of virtual objects. Vibrotactile feedback also allows users to feel different surface textures. The gloves add haptic effects to VR and AR applications and are intended for training, 3D design, and remote control of robots.
The new gloves offer upgrades
Now HaptX is introducing a new, improved model of the gloves: the HaptX Gloves G1. It replaces the Haptx Gloves DK2, which went on sale in early 2021.
According to HaptX, the HaptX Gloves G1 brings the following improvements:
Improved ergonomics: The new gloves take advantage of advances in materials science and new manufacturing techniques to fit like a traditional glove. The areas around each finger, the palm, and the wrist are soft and flexible for unrestricted dexterity and comfort. The gloves come in four sizes. A single glove weighs approximately one pound.
Mobile use: A backpack called "Airpack" enables mobile use, for example for room-filling virtual reality. Alternatively, place the unit on a table and use seated or standing. The Airpack generates compressed air and controls the flow. One charge lasts for 3 hours without an external air or power source.
The airpack enables mobile use of the Haptx Gloves G1. | Image: HaptX
New haptic features and support for virtual collaboration: The HaptX SDK is optimized for enterprise and industrial applications and offers plugins for Unreal Engine and Unity as well as an interface for C++.
New features include vibrotactile feedback for simulating surfaces, support for an ROS node that allows the gloves to connect to remotely controlled robots, and multi-user support that allows multiple users to work in the same virtual environment and feel the same objects, regardless of their physical location.
Haptx Gloves G1: not shipping until 2023
Enterprise customers can pre-order the HaptX Gloves G1 now on the official website. An individual pair costs $5,495, and a bundle of all four sizes costs $4,500 per pair.
In addition, there is a mandatory service subscription that costs $495 per month. This includes turnkey product deployment and service for enterprise customers. HaptX advises interested companies to make a down payment to secure shipping priority and the discounted pre-order price. Delivery is scheduled for the third quarter of 2023.
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