Ultra-light gloves let users 'touch' virtual
objects
Summary:
objects, while feeling like
potential to run on a
Scientists have developed they are actually touching very small battery. That,
an ultra-light glove -- something in the real together with the glove's
weighing less than 8 world.
low form factor (only 2
grams per finger -- that Scientists at EPFL and ETH mm thick), translates into
enables users to feel and Zurich have just made a an unprecedented level
manipulate virtual objects. major step toward this of precision and freedom
Their
system
provides goal with their new haptic of movement.
extremely realistic haptic glove, which is not only "We wanted to develop
feedback and could run lightweight -- under 8 a
lightweight
device
on a battery, allowing for grams per finger -- but also that
--unlike
existing
unparalleled freedom of provides feedback that virtual-reality
gloves
--
movement.
is extremely realistic. The
doesn't require a bulky
Engineers and software
glove is able to generate
exoskeleton, pumps or
developers around the
up to 40 Newtons of
very thick cables," says
world are seeking to
holding force on each
Herbert Shea, head of
create technology that
finger with just 200 Volts
EPFL's Soft Transducers
lets users touch, grasp
and only a few milliWatts
Laboratory (LMTS.
and manipulate virtual
of power. It also has the
Articles & Research
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