Disney Research, MIT Media Lab,
and Carnegie Mellon University have unveiled a new conceptual haptic force
jacket that simulates physical experiences to people wearing the device. The
force jacket is lined with airbags controlled by a computer that inflates and
deflates the bags. Disney envisions the jacket will be used with VR headsets
for more immersive experiences, given its ability to simulate hugs, being hit
or punched, and peculiarly, the sensation of a snake slithering across your
body. The jacket is made up of airbags with sensors attached that direct force
and vibrations to specific locations on your body.
The software-controlled jacket
weighs about five pounds and has a valve system that inflates and deflates 26
air compartments. It has adjustable sleeves, and the vest is made of a
repurposed life vest with the inside foam replaced with the air bags. The air compartments
are located on the jacket’s front, back, arms, and sides. The speed, force, and
duration of inflation and deflation can be controlled using a haptic effects
software editor. The researchers built three VR apps in testing the jacket,
including a snowball fight game, a simulation of a snake crawling around, and a
simulation of growing muscles (like turning into the Hulk).
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