Haptic suits
How to experience getting shot without actually getting shot
VR and AR are all about altering how you visually perceive reality. You can experience seeing a real castle or play a game where you fight zombies in your living room. You can also hear the enemy creeping and enjoy peaceful bird singing while embarking on the quest to fight the dragon.
Visual effects are very cool but in real life all 5 senses help you feel real. Today we look at technological advances that help you merge with virtual reality by allowing you to feel physical sensations.
Haptic technology is a technology that creates an experience of touch by applying forces, vibrations, or motions to the user.
Over the years there have been a lot of improvements in haptic technology. Starting with vests and expanding into gloves, long sleeve and full on suits. Lets see what are our options to experience a doctors-approved feeling of being shot today.
Brief history:
The first attempt at haptic technology was the Interactor Vest, launched in 1994 by Aura Systems, allowed to feel sound from video games and TV shows by converting bass sound waves into vibrations that can represent such actions as a punch or kick.
In 2002 there was a more wholesome application of this technology — HugShirt that allowed the user to send the feeling of a hug to a distant loved one.
And in 2016 the world recieved Sound Shirt (very creative names) that allowed deaf and hearing audience to experience music through haptic sensations. Daniel Belquer has helped those with impaired hearing “become the centre of the dancing party”.
All of these inventions are cool but they are slightly outdated, so we now move to our favourite innovations in haptic technology:
SUITS
(not the tv show, although it is amazing)
OWO Skin VR Haptic Suit: 2023
OWO’s VR haptic suit is more than just a gaming accessory; it’s a step towards the future of fully immersive virtual reality experiences.
OWO’s VR haptic suit, also known as the OWO Skin elevates the VR experience by integrating a wide range of physical sensations directly into gameplay. Serving as a big leap in haptic technology development this suit allows users to feel a wide range of sensations, as opposed to only feeling vibrations. Being one of the latest releases in this suit line, owo serves as a good showcase for haptic technology.
At the core of the OWO Skin’s functionality is its proprietary Sensations Technology. Unlike traditional haptic feedback systems that rely solely on vibrations, OWO’s approach uses a sophisticated algorithm to deliver a variety of physical sensations.
The suit’s patches can deliver a incredible 30 sensations, including a gun shot with an exit wound, stabbing, getting pricked with a dart, incest bite, getting punched, and more. I know this doesn’t sound very appealing to hardcore Sims gamers, but for lovers of combat this technology allows you further embrace the real life attack feels.
This is achieved by stimulating 10 different locations on the body, ensuring that every in-game interaction feels incredibly lifelike through the use of micro sensations.
These are small, precise stimulations that, when combined, form more complex and realistic experiences. For instance, simulating a gunshot involves three distinct microsensations: the entry wound, the exit wound, and the sensation of bleeding. This layered approach allows for a more nuanced and immersive experience, making virtual scenarios feel strikingly real.
So every time I get shot I will feel extremely intense pain that will stop me from playing?
If you WANT to...
All users can personalize their experience with the OWO app, adjusting the intensity of the sensations. If you prefer a mild experience with intense simulation, the app provides a range of settings from one to ten. This customization ensures that both casual users and thrill-seekers can enjoy the VR haptic suit to their preferences.
The main is skin tight so to ensure everyone can experience this sensation tech the OWO Skin is available in various sizes, from 2XS to 4XL. The current model is a short-sleeve suit, with plans for a long-sleeve version in the future to make recoil more realistic
To experience game play with the OWO Skin the only thing you need is Bluetooth. (Apparat from 500–600 euros for the purchase of the suit, but lets pretend you already have it.)
CLICK HERE TO BUY THE SUIT (or to discover different models)
BHaptics TactSuit X16-X40 (2017 & 2021)
The BHaptic suits are the more popular older models that acts as a perfect showcase to capture the technological advancement in this sector.
In 2017 they released X16 — a suit with 16 vibro-tactile motors that provide seamless haptic feedback customized for VR games. Via this suit you were already able to experience numerous sensations
In 2021 the bellowed BHaptics released X40 — now including 40 of the vibro tactile motors, enhancing the feedback and the sensations.
The rechargeable Li-ion battery provides up to 12 hours of continuous playtime on a single 2.5-hour charge via USB Type-C, allowing for extended gaming sessions without interruption.
As opposed to OWO, the Tactsuit is a one-size-fits-all solution, adjustable from 25” to 50” with shoulder snap buttons, and features a detachable and washable mesh lining for easy maintenance. Weighing just 0.95kg (2.1lbs), it offers a lightweight yet durable design.
These suits already support 216 games. And the Tractsuit’s versatility extends beyond VR, offering full compatibility with PC gaming. This cross-platform support makes it an ideal choice for gamers who want to enhance their gameplay across different devices, making it the perfect companion for all your gaming and VR needs. Whether you’re exploring virtual worlds or engaging in intense gaming sessions, the Tractsuit promises an unparalleled level of realism and immersion.
BUY SUIT HERE (or just browse)
TeslaSuit 2020
If you see tesla and you think innovation and high quality, you are absolutely correct here. A full bodysuit announced in 2020 equipped with haptic feedback system that uses electro muscle stimulation (EMS) and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) to simulate a range of real-life feelings and sensations. With this technology the user can receive physical feedback (sensations) based on what they see. Essentially you could be watching something on a flat screen and still feel.
So far we have been looking the the suits in context of gaming, but due to its sophisticated technology TeslaSuit has a range of applications:
- animation creation
- ergonomics
- biometrics
When considering the models of the Tesla Suit, you have two excellent options:
1. Extended Reality: Ideal for immersive experiences, this model is perfect for gamers, VR enthusiasts, and anyone looking to dive deep into virtual worlds.
2. Medical: Designed specifically for individuals with particular movement limitations, this model features comprehensive back mapping to process and analyse biometric and movement data, aiding in diagnostics and rehabilitation.
To purchase the suit, you’ll need to use the size finder, where you’ll enter your precise measurements to ensure a snug fit and optimal sensations. This ensures you receive the maximum benefit from this technology.
And for only 12,999$ you can pre-order it now! [Or you could wait a couple of years until the technology becomes more affordable.]
Gloves
The suits ensure you can feel the sensations on your body. However if you are a fan of combat, the hands is where you expect to feel the most. Or if you chase real life shooting games the recoil will make it harder for you to win.
Dexta Robotic — Dexmo Gloves
Futuristic looking gloves have taken the VRgamer community by storm
Even though there is no consumer version yet, these gloves are available for developers and enterprises
The Dexta group emphasises the ergonomic & hygienic design:
We put a lot of effort into ensuring hygiene and comfort for everybody, such as the memory foam hand pad to soften contact, changeable silicon caps to eliminate contamination and the special wearing mechanism to minimize sweating — product description
With 8 hours battery life and wireless use these gloves ensure the most real life sensations.
Looking over all of these advancements its hard to imagine how the VR and AR experiences will feel like in few years. Although right now you will have to either be a VR/AR enthusiast and be willing to spend larger amounts for these captivating gadgets, or be on the higher income bracket to enjoy these devices to their full potential.
We hope that soon this technology will be accessible to all!
Any thoughts?
