Sharp combines VR haptics and game controller in one glove
Sharp is working on a VR glove that combines tactile feedback with gamepad inputs. It remains to be seen if and when the devices will come onto the market.
Illustrative image showing the prototype or Sharp's vision of the haptic gloves.
(Image: Sharp)
The Japanese electronics company Sharp is developing gloves for VR applications that allow you to control and feel what is happening at the same time.
The haptic glove has tactile elements on the fingertips that use vibrations to make touch and different surface textures of virtual objects perceptible. Sharp is developing a pair for both hands.
A special feature of the prototype: The gloves have integrated controls from classic VR controllers and gamepads, including a thumb stick for virtual locomotion and several buttons per hand. However, there are no trigger and shoulder buttons. According to Sharp, the gloves are particularly easy to put on and take off, which is practical for switching between input devices.
Many question marks
Sharp makes it clear that neither physical resistance nor temperature is simulated. Finger and position recognition are also missing. According to the Japanese project page, a separate tracker may be required. Alternatively, the company is looking into a solution that does not require external tracking.
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It is currently unclear how far the development of the gloves has progressed and what the prototype actually looks like. The images shown on the website appear to be renderings. Sharp also points out that the design may change before the market launch.
The company plans to provide test samples to further develop the prototype based on user feedback. Pre-registration was possible on the website, at a provisional price of around 580 euros. Sharp emphasizes that the project is still at an early stage of development and that it could be discontinued at any time.
Despite various development efforts, haptic gloves are still a niche market, especially in the consumer market. Corporate solutions such as Haptikos usually cost several thousand US dollars.
(vbr)
