Diver-X, the development team behind the HalfDive VR Headset and immersion system designed for use in a laying-down position, is back with a new technology. While smaller in scale than their previous shelved project, still shows the boundless ambition of this team.
What is the ContactGlove? Quite simply it's a conventional button bases controller, a tactile feedback glove, and a precise hand tracking solution, all in one device.
Tactile feedback is driven by memory coils which use "shape memory alloys". In the most basic sense, think about the coil in your old analog thermometer. This field originally comes from the field of highly precise actuator design, but is revolutionized for tactile feedback purposes. This design is also what allows an incredibly compact shape compared to some of the other technologies in development.
This device is designed with full SteamVR compatible hand tracking using skeletal input. SDK's for most major VR development environments are also being released with the device.
Another key feature of the device absent from some other VR glove technologies is the inclusion of button and joystick inputs on convenient locations of the fingers and thumb.
Positional tracking is accomplished via a partnership with Tundra Labs, and uses Tundra tracker for accurate 6dof location tracking.
ContactGlove is being released and funded via Kickstarter campaign. It has already raised ¥44,038,471 (approx. $340,000 USD).
You can learn more at the Kickstarter below: