Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) companies are seeking to create evermore interactive and immersive ways for users engage with virtual environments, whether that’s through motion controllers like Oculus Rift, or gesture-based hand tracking systems like Leap Motion. Another possible means of interaction uses data gloves, with BeBop Sensors announcing its latest creation, the Forte Data Glove.
The Forte Data Glove is a one-size-fits-all device that’s both light weight and airy, ideal for long VR gameplay sessions. It features 10 smart fabric bend sensors located above each knuckle with bend accuracy and repeatability +/- 1.5 degrees and high sensor speeds of 500Hz. The sensor data and haptic commands communicate through Micro USB or Bluetooth, with Micro USB also charging the internal lithium battery in two hours which should last approximately 15 hours when using Bluetooth.
BeBop Sensors say that glove provides Super Accurate Rapid Sensing with data rates at 150 frames per second, with lag eliminated, triggering approaches near instantaneous response times, and there’s a 9 degree IMU (inertial measurement unit) which provides low drift and pre-blended accelerometer and gyro sensor data.
The glove can host up to 64 unique resident haptic sound files, with 6 actuators located on each of the 4 fingertips, thumb and palm. The haptic signals can be pitch shifted and volume adjusted in real-time, with signals looped continuously or operated in a single play mode.
So how much is the Forte Data Glove and where can you get one? Well that’s a little difficult. While BeBop Sensors says it’ll be affordable no prices have been released as the development kit will only be available to qualified OEMs in December 2017.
Forte Data Glove Specifications:
- Sensor speeds at 500Hz.
- Data rates at 150 frames per second, eliminating lag for near instantaneous response times, perfect for the most demanding shooter scenarios.
- 10 smart fabric bend sensors are located above each knuckle with bend accuracy and repeatability at +/- 1.5 degrees.
- 9 degree IMU provides extremely low drift and reliable pre-blended accelerometer and gyro sensor data.
- 6 actuators are located on the 4 fingertips, thumb, and palm.
- Up to 64 unique haptic sound files can be resident on the glove with new files rapidly uploaded over Bluetooth or Micro USB.
- Micro USB connector charges the internal lithium battery in 2 hours.
- 15 hour battery life.
For any further updates from Bebop Sensors, keep reading VRFocus.