Development of a Modular Adjustable Wearable Haptic Device for XR Applications
Journal
Virtual Worlds
Date Issued
October 16, 2024
DOI
10.3390/virtualworlds3040024
Abstract
Current XR applications move beyond audiovisual information, with haptic feedback
rapidly gaining ground. However, current haptic devices are still evolving and often struggle to
combine key desired features in a balanced way. In this paper, we propose the development of a
high-resolution haptic (HRH) system for perception enhancement, a wearable technology designed to
augment extended reality (XR) experiences through precise and localized tactile feedback. The HRH
system features a modular design with 58 individually addressable actuators, enabling intricate haptic
interactions within a compact wearable form. Dual ESP32-S3 microcontrollers and a custom-designed
system ensure robust processing and low-latency performance, crucial for real-time applications.
Integration with the Unity game engine provides developers with a user-friendly and dynamic environment for accurate, simple control and customization. The modular design, utilizing a flexible PCB,
supports a wide range of actuators, enhancing its versatility for various applications. A comparison
of our proposed system with existing solutions indicates that the HRH system outperforms other
devices by encapsulating several key features, including adjustability, affordability, modularity, and
high-resolution feedback. The HRH system not only aims to advance the field of haptic feedback but
also introduces an intuitive tool for exploring new methods of human–computer and XR interactions.
Future work will focus on refining and exploring the haptic feedback communication methods used
to convey information and expand the system’s applications.
rapidly gaining ground. However, current haptic devices are still evolving and often struggle to
combine key desired features in a balanced way. In this paper, we propose the development of a
high-resolution haptic (HRH) system for perception enhancement, a wearable technology designed to
augment extended reality (XR) experiences through precise and localized tactile feedback. The HRH
system features a modular design with 58 individually addressable actuators, enabling intricate haptic
interactions within a compact wearable form. Dual ESP32-S3 microcontrollers and a custom-designed
system ensure robust processing and low-latency performance, crucial for real-time applications.
Integration with the Unity game engine provides developers with a user-friendly and dynamic environment for accurate, simple control and customization. The modular design, utilizing a flexible PCB,
supports a wide range of actuators, enhancing its versatility for various applications. A comparison
of our proposed system with existing solutions indicates that the HRH system outperforms other
devices by encapsulating several key features, including adjustability, affordability, modularity, and
high-resolution feedback. The HRH system not only aims to advance the field of haptic feedback but
also introduces an intuitive tool for exploring new methods of human–computer and XR interactions.
Future work will focus on refining and exploring the haptic feedback communication methods used
to convey information and expand the system’s applications.
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