What is Haptics?
Haptics is the science and technology of touch. For decades, haptic feedback has been synonymous with vibrating motors. HaptX takes a novel approach to haptics. Their patented microfluidics system is the only technology capable of providing true-contact haptics. Regardless of the task at hand, HaptX Gloves make it feel real.
Microfluidic skin
Microfluidic skin provides true-contact haptics for realism that other haptic devices can’t match. Tactile actuators displace skin up to 2mm to apply physical pressure, replicating the sensation of real-world objects.
These actuators are packed tightly together in flexible, silicone panels and weaved into the gloves. With more than 130 points of feedback per hand, HaptX Gloves achieves fingertip-level realism, setting a new benchmark for haptic feedback performance.
Force-feedback exoskeleton
The lightweight force-feedback exoskeleton is powered by microfluidic actuation technology. HaptX’s high-power-density, pneumatic actuators enable the exotendons in HaptX Gloves to apply up to eight pounds of force per digit (40 lbs. per hand). These resistive forces complement the true-contact haptics, enhancing the perception of size, shape, and weight of virtual objects.
Magnetic motion tracking
Realistic haptic feedback requires extremely precise motion tracking. HaptX developed a proprietary motion-capture system that leads the industry in accuracy.
HaptX’s magnetic motion tracking and hand simulation system achieves sub-millimeter precision, with 30 degrees of freedom (DoF) per hand, no perceivable latency, and no occlusion. Their software automatically generates an individualized, physically accurate hand model and renders a user avatar for an enhanced sense of embodiment in the virtual environment.
Powerful pneumatics
HaptX is innovating a new generation of precision pneumatic components. Their Air Controller dynamically routes airflow for precise haptic performance. Featuring nearly 150 pressure-regulated channels, it can fully inflate any actuator in HaptX Gloves in less than 30ms, resulting in no perceptible latency. With desktop and backpack configurations, it delivers industrial-grade haptics without sacrificing mobility.
Their Smart Compressor provides continuous air supply with quiet operation. With a compact, low-maintenance design, it can operate inside offices and other noise-sensitive environments.
Software development kit
The HaptX SDK enables developers to create touch-enabled experiences. At the heart of the HaptX SDK is a framework for physical simulation of haptic interactions.
With SteamVR support and plug-ins for Unreal Engine and Unity, it’s easy to create haptic VR experiences for HaptX Gloves. They provide a low-level C++ API that’s ROS-capable, allowing for integration with robotic equipment.
Trailblazing R&D
HaptX’s multidisciplinary team includes mechanical, software, electrical, and biomedical engineers. The engineering team is applying novel tools and methodologies to invent new approaches to haptics and crack the toughest problems in human-machine interaction.
From lower-body exoskeletons that let you move through a limitless VR environment, to multi-user haptics for team collaboration complete with realistic touch, HaptX is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with haptic technology. Their mission is to bring natural touch to digital experiences, and enable your metaverse to evoke the sensory richness of real life.
See a video review of HaptX Gloves and interview with HaptX founder and CEO, Jake Rubin on Adam Savage’s Tested: Hands-On with HaptX VR Haptic Gloves! – YouTube
