SensationCell
The main purpose of the sensation cell is to provide a realistic tactile feedback from VR environments. Firstly planned features are e.g.
- high resolution tactile feedback – the initial resolution goal is 100 point per square cm (1 square mm sensor/feedback unit). This means that you can sense not only objects but their texture as well. 1 square mm silicon (or similar material) tubes are inflated to different pressure stages to reproduce a wide range of material hardness/softness
Tubes are (partially) opened or closed at each end with electromagnetic seals - Physical depth sensation – you can experience depth when interacting with soft materials in VR. You can sense the material slide along your skin etc. Tactile tubes extend to up to a X cm length to provide a sense tactile depth
- High resolution temperature variance – experience different hot and cold temperatures on each square millimetre of your body. Each tactile tube can be pressurised by air at different temperatures
- Air and fluid simulation – experience a mild breeze, a fierce storm or go for a swim. Tactile tubes EM valves can be (partially) opened to create air flow which can also simulate interaction with fluids in VR environments.
In the scope of TehnoHack aim is to create a simple prototype that can be programmed to e.g. with a button press to simulate a touch of grass or apple.
Knowledge needed to team: Electronics specialist, pneumatics expert
Return to idea list