VR haptics via exoskeleton: "Haptikos" glove goes on sale

The haptic platform consisting of hardware and software was first presented at the beginning of the year and is now available in stores.

As you can easily see from the pictures, “Haptikos” is not a classic haptic glove made of plastic that you slip your hand into. Instead, the product consists of an exoskeleton that is attached to the back of the hand and connected to the fingertips via movable links.

According to the manufacturer, this design enables a high degree of freedom of movement for the finger joints, as well as sub-millimetre precision in the detection of hand and finger movements. Tactile feedback is also to be simulated. A function for generating resistance has also been announced for later this year – for example when the fingers hit virtual objects.

Haptic simulation for medicine, the military, and robotics

By using an exoskeleton instead of conventional gloves, the Greek start-up Haptikos aims to avoid several typical problems: Gloves often lead to heat build-up and perspiration, making them uncomfortable and unhygienic in the long run. In addition, many models of this type rely on sensors integrated into the fabric, which can be susceptible to interference, or on external cameras that do not capture hand movements from all angles.

Another advantage of the exoskeleton: while gloves have to be adapted to different hand sizes, this issue is eliminated with Haptikos thanks to a one-size-fits-all design that adapts to different hand shapes.

However, the idea of a haptic exoskeleton is not new: other manufacturers have already tried their hand at it – a few years ago, for example, SenseGlove.

The Haptikos devices offer a battery life of up to eight hours and work wirelessly. However, an external tracking solution is required for 3D spatial localization of the hands. Examples include the HTC Vive Tracker or the Meta Quest touch controllers, which are attached to the exoskeleton.

Application scenarios include medical training, for example to simulate surgical procedures, as well as applications in robotics, for example for precise and tactile remote control of robots. Military training is also conceivable. Prototypes of the devices are already being tested by Siemens and the Italian defense company Leonardo.

Compatible with Windows and Unity

The associated software platform “Haptik_OS” consists of an app that allows users to calibrate individual profiles, adjust device settings and manage hand movement data. The “Haptikos Unity SDK” is also included, which enables the exoskeletons to be integrated into XR and robotics applications. The software platform is compatible with Windows, OpenXR, SteamVR and Unity.

Haptikos is available immediately via the official website. A pair costs 2500 euros, plus an annual license fee of 1000 euros for “Haptik_OS”.

This puts the manufacturer in the lower price segment. For comparison: the SenseGlove Nova 2 costs around 6000 euros. Other providers such as HaptX and Manus only disclose prices on request.

For companies that want to gain initial experience with haptic systems, the investment could be worthwhile, even if certain functions such as resistance will only be available at a later date.

The exoskeleton is less interesting for end users, however, as there are currently no games or applications that support the haptic functions.

(wpl)