En
Français
Deutsch
TouchDIVER by Weart - the haptic glove that makes a splash
Immersion works on projects related to haptics. So we were intrigued by the promise of this glove and tested it for you.
Weart, the Milanese expert
Founded in 2018 by Giovanni Spagnoletti and Guido Gioioso, Weart is developing a tactile scanning technology that allows users to augment VR/AR or multimedia content, enable realistic VR training sessions (medical and industrial), and enhance in-store shopping and e-commerce experiences through tactile sensations.
Our expert is primarily fascinated by the design. He is even more impressed when it comes to testing.
Testimonial: "The TouchDiver from WEART is quick and easy to put on and its design is impressive. But the most interesting thing is the combination of its 3 different feedbacks at the fingertips, and more particularly the temperature sensation which is surprisingly effective" - Thomas Piet.
Unboxing the TouchDIVER
A glove with a surprising design
The TouchDRIVER portable haptic glove is simply unique. Whether it is its aesthetics or what it offers, it is a first on the market.
As soon as the box arrives and is opened, the packaging makes an impact. Sober and elegant, the box allows for simple and efficient storage. All the elements are within easy reach. Numerous magnets are placed inside the box to facilitate storage. Whether it's the case or the finger part, everything is intuitively organised and doesn't move around thanks to this magnet system.
The packaging, in addition to being intelligently designed, is educational. Instructions are included on the whole box to explain how to attach the case to the wrist, how to connect the controllers, etc.
The packaging also includes a handle for easy transport.
With only three fingers, the most important ones (thumb, index and middle finger), the glove stands out from its competitors. Using the same principle as the pliers, thanks to the 3 fingers, it allows a fluid and precise use for an attractive price thanks to the suppression of the two additional fingers, less important to catch an object.
This innovative glove on the market is sold alone at around 5000€.
Inside the plastic glove are sensors at the fingertips. To complete the glove, silicone tips allow the size to be adjusted to the fingers. There are 4 sizes available: S, M, L with 2 tips of each size. It can also be used without the tips. The size is written directly on the inside of the tip. The use of these changeable tips also makes cleaning easier.
The glove consists of 2 parts. 1 control unit (housing on the wrist) and the three fingers. The tracking of the fingers is directly integrated in the glove. Thanks to the wired connection between the position of the wrist (and therefore of the control unit) and that of the fingers, the data can be sent easily. The tracking of the wrist is achieved by the use of an external tool. Indeed, above the case attached to the wrist, a magnetic part allows the installation of a controller of any brand of virtual reality headset. Thanks to this "universal" connector, the magnet, Weart breaks down the first barriers that might have appeared: it adapts to everyone.
It is true that there are not many finger positions that can be used (hands or claws). However, this is not a hindrance because the possible ones are really precise. Moreover, the glove does not aim at a faithful rendering of the movement, but rather at imitating the possible interactions.
A universal glove
During his tests, our expert mainly used an HTC VIVE tracker. It was also necessary to use the Oculus controller.
The result: both devices worked perfectly, but the VIVE is more practical. It is quicker and less complex to set up, making it easier to get up and running.
However, using the HTC controller requires the use of lighthouses, reducing the possibility of movement. You have to agree to stay in a close environment, within a defined perimeter. The Oculus, on the other hand, allows greater mobility and freedom.
During our tests, our expert was confronted with certain problems when setting up the system. But the support was very responsive, and the various problems were quickly resolved.
As far as autonomy is concerned, the battery lasts about two hours. The glove is not intended for long term intensive use, so it is quite reasonable. It is therefore quite reasonable.
Innovative features
The glove offers three types of haptic feedback. These are presented below:
1. Simulate force
In the caps there is a metal plate on the bottom. The fingertip is placed on it and it exerts pressure when the user tries to grasp an object. The plate moves up and down to give the finger more or less pressure and simulate touch.
Our expert finds the haptic feedback very realistic. When used without headphones, he says the sensation is strange, but when immersed in the experience, the feeling of grabbing something is very real.
The only downside? The intensity is not adjustable during the experience, much to our expert's dismay. The intensity setting, set once and for all, cannot be changed during the experiment and must be done before the demo is launched. However, with some coding skills and a little time, it is possible, using the API, to code the degree of vibration intensity. Here, our expert used the Unity inspector, i.e. without the need for development and coding, which did not allow him to make these changes.
2. Simulating vibration
The plate can also vibrate. For example, when the user wants to touch an object and brushes against it, the haptic feedback sends more or less vibrations, more or less regular, to simulate different textures.
Although this feature is not unpleasant, our expert finds it the least successful. It was not so much the effect that did not appeal to him, but rather the way it was implemented. In his opinion, it is difficult to simulate a fair return with vibrations, especially on texture, where the range of action is already limited. It is only possible to increase or decrease the intensity, increase or decrease the vibrations... Recreating different textures is therefore a complex combination.
However, the use of vibrations works well to simulate "micromovements" such as an object vibrating or pouring water from a container or moving an object filled with sand for example. According to him, this is much more convincing.
3. Simulating temperature
This is by far the one that our expert found most fascinating. Indeed, this is the first time that our expert has tested this sensation, and it is a very successful experiment. The plate on the fingers under the glove actually physically heats or cools. This is the great innovation of the glove. It is its real added value, apart from its simplicity of use. Our expert is won over.
What demos are possible? For which uses?
Our expert has tested the glove in various demonstrations. Here are some feedback.
First, for a basic test, he wanted to experiment with the basic scene provided in the Unity Weart package, where there are just two cubes. One is white, the other is red. This demo did not allow him to exploit and explore the possibilities of the Weart glove. Only the tests of the different effects combined with the tracking.
Let's see what the TouchDIVER haptic feedback glove can do with the demo provided by Weart. One has to perform different actions in a laboratory. Guided by a small robot, you have to perform several steps in order to make a mixture. Grab a vial from a fridge to experience the sensation of cold. Heat the vial, which warms the fingers while performing the action. Mix the mixture to discover the sensation of vibration.
Our expert does other experiments to test the temperature sensations. Grabbing a can for a cold sensation. Get close to the flames for a hot sensation.
Expert opinion: a game-changing glove
A revolutionary glove. Goodbye to the limited sensation of vibration and electrostimulation. Compared to other unconvincing gloves where the feeling was unfortunately not realistic enough.
The TouchDIVER really adds something to a demonstration. When immersed in a virtual reality headset, the added effects really make a difference.
It is perhaps not yet intended for a wide range of uses because of its price (count all the same about 5000€) but could become so in the future.
Weaknesses :
- Not being able to make micro-gestures
- The size of the caps. There are only 2 different caps of each size and this can be a problem. There is no possibility to put S everywhere for example.
- Weight. Quite light at first, when the tracker is on the wrist case, you start to feel the weight on your wrist.
- Bluetooth issues. Limited in terms of distance, the glove can be easily disconnected, especially in a space where there are many interfering waves.
- Some demos are only for the Oculus, which narrows the field a bit.
The advantages according to our expert :
- The simulated temperature sensation, very impressive
- The easy installation (the scratch on the wrist and the magnet are a real help)
- The small size of the device
- Very practical with its easily transportable format
- Accurate hand and finger tracking
- A developer friendly glove, and demos created that will fit all headsets and controllers.
What does our expert have to say about his experiences with the Weart TouchDIVER?
"Before, I had never used a glove like this. Most models were only with vibrating or electro-touch feedback, like the one used for our Tactility research project. Now, the TouchDIVER goes further, making the experience more realistic. The temperature sensations really add a sense of reality.
The promise of enhancing virtual reality and augmented reality experiences with natural and realistic haptic feedback is fulfilled. Immersion is increased. Users are engaged.
For our expert, this glove is "very promising" in particular thanks to its simplicity of use; both for the user and the developer. Compared to other gloves tested in the past, our expert describes the TouchDRIVER as very interesting for the future of immersive experiences.
Need a touch feedback glove? Want to know if the Weart TouchDIVER is the right one for you?
Check out its technical data sheet and contact our experts to benefit from their valuable advice adapted to your needs.
