Summary
- HaptX Glove, the ultra-realistic VR glove
- Contact CI Maestro, a VR glove imitating the functioning of the human body
- Sense Glove, a VR glove with haptic feedback
- CaptoGlove, a VR glove transforming hand gestures into commands
- SensoGlove, a wireless VR glove offering haptic feedback with every finger
- VRfree, a pair of VR gloves without external sensors
- Gloveone, the precursor of VR gloves
- Manus VR, VR gloves capable of detecting arm movements
- Dexmo, the exoskeletal VR gloves from Dextra Robotics
- Hi5 VR Glove, VR gloves designed for the HTC VIVE
- VRgluv, VR gloves funded in three days on Kickstarter
- Cyberglove, VR gloves from a data glove expert active for 20 years
- 5DT Data Glove Ultra
- Hands Omni, VR gloves from the creator of the Virtuix Omni mat
- ExoGlove, VR gloves originally designed to help people with disabilities
- Perception Neuron, VR gloves accompanied by a motion detection system for the whole body
Virtual reality headsets allow you to visually immerse yourself in panoramic virtual environments. While only sight and hearing are deceived, the illusion of being transported to an alternate reality is nothing short of awe-inspiring. However, in order for virtual reality to be truly realistic, several technical constraints must be overcome.
Among main challenges for the VR industry include interactions, which are not yet natural enough, and stimulation of touch. Indeed, if the user is able to use his hands in a natural way, and to feel the sensations of touch in virtual reality, the impression of immersion is greatly enhanced.
In fact, this technology is already functional. The VR gloves allow you to feel the textures, the weight of the objects, and even the sensations of vibrations in virtual reality. For now, these accessories are not yet democratized among users. In fact, few developers have created compatible experiences. Within a few months however, it is highly likely that VR gloves will replace current VR controllers like the VIVE Wand or the Oculus Touch. Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg recently announced that the company is developing VR gloves that allow you to use your hands naturally to “draw, type on a keyboard or even throw webs like Spider Man” in virtual reality. Discover our selection of the best VR gloves.
HaptX Glove, the ultra-realistic VR glove
The HaptX Glove is all about realism. This revolutionary VR glove allows you totry the shape, the texture, and even the temperature objects in virtual reality. It is even possible to feel whether the object is soft or hard. The haptic feedback is so powerful that it is impossible to pass through a solid object in VR.
This revolutionary accessory is based on an artificial skin made up of hundreds of small air relatives. These haptic actuators swell to move the user's skin much like an object in the real world. It is thus possible to reproduce the sensation of touch with realism. This technology allows much more precision than other VR gloves based on vibration. A first version will be launched in 2018, and the firm expects to see the price decrease rapidly over the next two or three years.
Contact CI Maestro, a VR glove imitating the functioning of the human body
The Maestro is a VR glove manufactured by Contact CI. The accessory not only offers haptic feedback, but also allows you to feel the tension and pressure of solid objects in VR as if they really exist. To do this, the glove mimics human cu rops functioning using artificial tendons attached to each finger.
In case of contact with an object, the electric tendon causes the motorized muscle to retract pulling the user's fingers back, like the real muscles of the hand. Position tracking is provided by a Vive Tracker. Presented at CES 2018, the Maestro is still at the prototype stage.
Contact CI is a small startup that does not plan to create a product for the general public. She seeks more to partner with VR headset manufacturers like Oculus and HTC to natively integrate this revolutionary technology into the next generation of headphones.
Sense Glove, a VR glove with haptic feedback
Presented at CES 2018, the Sense Glove is a VR glove offering haptic feedback to the user. Depending on the nature of the objects captured in the VR, the feedback force differs and allows the user to feel if the objects in question have a rough, slippery, or solid texture for example.
This glove could be very interesting for video games, but the firm is currently focusing on B2B and instead intends to offer its invention to companies. The Development kits are available for pre-order and will launch in June 2018.
CaptoGlove, a VR glove transforming hand gestures into commands
The CaptoGlove is presented as a controller for virtual reality video games. Thanks to this VR glove, the wearer's hand gestures are instantly converted into commands.
Besides video games, the CaptoGlove can also be used in the healthcare sector, in factories or for professional training. A slightly different approach to the VR glove.
SensoGlove, a wireless VR glove offering haptic feedback with every finger
Developed by Senso, the Senso Glove is a VR glove allowing natural interaction in virtual reality and augmented reality. The system not only allows you to use your hands and fingers in VR or AR, but also to enjoy haptic feedback for each finger.
So the user can actually feel physical contact with objects. However, for a truly realistic feel, it still lacks the ability to feel the texture of objects.
VRfree, a pair of VR gloves without external sensors
The VRfree is a complete device comprising a thin pair of gloves and a screen to be placed on the virtual reality headset. In total, this system includes six different types of sensors.
Thanks to this system, the user's hands and fingers can be tracked in the VR without the need to use another additional tracking device. No external sensor, camera or beacon is necessary to benefit from the virtues of VR Free. Unfortunately, this system is still at the prototype stage.
Gloveone, the precursor of VR gloves
Created by NeuroDigital Technologies, Gloveone VR Gloves are presented as haptic feedback gloves allowing the user to feel and touch any object in virtual reality. The wearer can perceive the shape and weight of objects, their texture, and even grab them to throw them. These gloves are compatible with Oculus Rift, HTC VIVE, Samsung Gear VR and OSVR headsets, but only work with a limited number of apps.
The Gloveones can be connected via Bluetooth or USB. The precise orientation of the hand is detected with a 9-axis Inertial Measurement Unit. The feeling of touch is simulated thanks to 10 haptic actuators hidden in each phalanx, and the flexions of the fingers are taken into account thanks to additional sensors. Conductive zones allow gestural control in VR. The fabric of which these VR gloves are made allows good ventilation, and the adjustable cuff allows the accessory to be adapted to all sizes. Funded through a successful Kickstarter campaign, Gloveones are available from € 299 per glove.
Manus VR, VR gloves capable of detecting arm movements
The VR Manus VR gloves allow you to use your hands in a natural and intuitive way in virtual reality. The Hand movements are tracked in real time thanks to an IMU provided by Bosch, combining a gyroscope, an accelerometer, and a magnetometer to detect the orientation of the hand. Each must have two motion sensors, and the thumb also has a rotation sensor. A programmable vibration motor provides haptic feedback. Position tracking is based on third-party sensors such as Vive Tracker,,,
The main advantage of the Manus VR, however, remains the integrated tracking solution on the wrist which makes it possible to detect and transcribe in the VR all the movements of the user's arm. These VR gloves connect wirelessly with a latency of less than 5ms, offer a battery life of 3 to 6 hours, and are washable by hand. They are compatible with HTC VIVE, OSVR, Unity, Unreal Engine, and Windows. The Manus VR gloves are available for pre-order for € 200 per glove.
Dexmo, the exoskeletal VR gloves from Dextra Robotics
Developed by Dextra Robotics, the Dexmo is not a fabric glove but an exoskeletal glove. It not only allows you to use your hands naturally in virtual reality, but also to feel the shape, size and rigidity of objects in virtual reality thanks to force feedback technology. Thanks to a very precise control engine, the nuances of textures are reproduced in a realistic way.
According to the manufacturer, Dexmo's mechanical system is more precise and stronger than IMUs. The accessory connects wirelessly, with a latency between 25 and 50 milliseconds, and its 2400 mAh battery offers a battery life of between 1 and 4 hours. Despite its appearance, this control device is lighter than most force feedback devices.
Le Dexmo has its own SDK, LibDexmo, which can work in any 3D environment. It is compatible with Oculus, HTC VIVE, PSVR, HoloLens, and any other AR / VR / MR solution. These exoskeletal VR gloves are available worldwide as a Development Kit version for $ 250.
Hi5 VR Glove, VR gloves designed for the HTC VIVE
The Noitom Hi5 VR Glove VR gloves are intended for the general public, and are distinguished by a very intuitive use. They embed a 9-axis IMU, operate using an optical tracking system, and are powered by an AA battery. The SDK is compatible with Unity, UE4 and C ++. Thanks to the VIVE Tracker, which can be screwed to the wrist, this accessory offers very precise position and rotation tracking. The price and the launch date have not yet been communicated.
VRgluv, VR gloves funded in three days on Kickstarter
La VRgluv's Kickstarter campaign, launched at the end of April 2017, raised over $ 100 in just 000 hours. Compatible with Oculus Rift and HTC VIVE, this VR glove is presented as the first force feedback glove intended for the general public, allowing to see, use and feel their hands in virtual reality. VRgluv gloves will be delivered from December 2017, for contributors who have funded the project up to $ 369 or more.
Cyberglove, VR gloves from a data glove expert active for 20 years
Le Cyberglove III is the third generation of data gloves from Cyberglove Systems. This new version is mainly dedicated to motion capture in virtual reality. Thanks to its flex sensors and wireless WiFi communication, this glove can be used within a perimeter of 100 meters around the signal. Cyberglove Systems also offers the CyberTouch option, a system allowing tactile feedback on the CyberGlove glove. Vibrotactile stimulators scattered throughout each finger and on the palm can be individually programmed to tone the strength of the touch sensation.
5DT Data Glove Ultra
Le 5DT Data Glove Ultra is designed to meet the needs of motion capture and animation professionals. This glove offers comfort, ease of use, and is compatible with many applications. Its performance in terms of data transfer makes it ideal for real-time animation, but also for virtual reality. It is available with 5 or 14 measuring points.
Hands Omni, VR gloves from the creator of the Virtuix Omni mat
Still in the development stage, the Hands Omni are the VR gloves of Virtuix, the creator of the VR Omni treadmill. Mainly intended for gamers, these VR gloves make it possible to feel the sensations of touch in VR and to interact within virtual environments. To do this, pressure is applied to the user's fingers and hand depending on what he is touching in the VR. It is not yet known when and at what price the Hands Omni will be marketed. Like the Virtuix Omni, it is highly likely that these accessories are reserved for the Chinese VR arcade market.
ExoGlove, VR gloves originally designed to help people with disabilities
- ExoGlove are wireless VR gloves allowing you to interact naturally in virtual reality. Hand and finger movements are detected, then haptic feedback allows you to feel the objects touched in the VR. The player can thus feel the sensation of touch, which reinforces the feeling of immersion in video games. It is not yet known when and at what price the ExoGlove will be marketed.
Perception Neuron, VR gloves accompanied by a motion detection system for the whole body
Initially, Perception Neuron is a whole-body motion detection system, including not only VR gloves, but also sensors for the arms, legs, feet and torso. This system works thanks to small Neuron sensors of barely one gram, carrying an IMU composed of a gyroscope, an accelerometer and a magnetometer. Each Neuron is interchangeable and can be placed anywhere in the body. Up to 32 Neurons can be used, which makes the system as complete as it is intuitive. The VR Perception Neuron gloves are available for purchase for $ 230.
