In Virtual Reality News
October 25, 2022 – HaptX Inc., a provider of realistic haptic technology for use with virtual reality (VR) experiences, has today announced the availability of pre-orders of the company’s new HaptX Gloves G1, a haptic device optimized for the enterprise metaverse.
HaptX stated that it has engineered HaptX Gloves G1 with the features most requested by its customers, including improved ergonomics, multiple glove sizes, wireless mobility, new and improved haptic functionality, and multiplayer collaboration.
“With HaptX Gloves G1, we’re making it possible for all organizations to leverage our lifelike haptics,” said Jake Rubin, Founder and CEO of HaptX. “Touch is the cornerstone of the next generation of human-machine interface technologies, and the opportunities are endless.”
According to the company, the HaptX Gloves G1 fits like a conventional glove and includes soft and flexible digits, palm, and wrists for greater dexterity and comfort. The gloves are also available in four sizes (small, medium, large, and extra large). Inside the gloves are hundreds of microfluidic actuators that physically displace the wearer’s skin, so when they touch and interact with virtual objects, the objects feel real.
To create the Gloves’ realistic haptic feedback, a lightweight, wireless Airpack generates compressed air and precisely controls its flow. The Airpack can be worn comfortably on the body in backpack mode for room-scale applications or easily placed on a table for seated and standing applications. Furthermore, the Airpack can deliver three hours of use on a single charge without connection to external air or power.
The HaptX Software Development Kit enables developers to bring realistic touch sensations to their applications with HaptX Gloves G1. HaptX stated that its SDK is optimized for enterprise and industrial use cases, and offers plugins for Unreal Engine and Unity, as well as a C++ API.
New features of the HaptX SDK include:
- Advanced vibrotactile feedback for simulation of microscale surface textures;
- A ROS node that enables telerobotics operators to connect HaptX Gloves G1 to remote robots for natural, accurate control of robotic end effectors; and
- A haptic multiplayer feature, which allows multiple users to work in the same virtual environment and feel the same objects, regardless of physical location, helping to improve collaborative training, design reviews, and more.
How much do the HaptX Gloves G1 cost?
HaptX is now accepting pre-orders for the HaptX Gloves G1. Organizations can pre-order an individual pair of HaptX Gloves G1 for USD $5,495 or a bundle of all 4 sizes for USD $4,500 per pair. HaptX plans to begin shipping HaptX Gloves G1 systems to customers in the third quarter of 2023. Companies can also place a deposit in order to establish a shipment priority date.
“Too often, we see enterprise and industry leaders resort to using game controllers for interacting with business applications in the metaverse,” said Joe Michaels, Chief Revenue Officer of HaptX. “Organizations developing their metaverse strategy now have a solution for touch feedback so effective, their jobs can depend on it. With HaptX Gloves G1 priced this low, you don’t have to settle for controllers or hand-tracking.”
With HaptX Gloves G1, HaptX is introducing the HaptX Subscription program, a Hardware as a Service model that provides turn-key product deployment and support for enterprise customers. Each HaptX Subscription will also include an Airpack, the HaptX SDK, and a comprehensive service and maintenance plan. Use of HaptX Gloves G1 requires a HaptX Subscription which starts at USD $495 per month.
For more information on HaptX and its haptics technology, please visit the company’s website.
Image credit: HaptX
About the author
Sam Sprigg
Sam is the Founder and Managing Editor of Auganix. With a background in research and report writing, he has been covering XR industry news for the past seven years.
