VibroWeight: Simulating Weight and Center of Gravity Changes of Objects in Virtual Reality for Enhanced Realism

TL;DR

VibroWeight is a novel low-cost VR haptic device using liquid metal to simulate weight and gravity shifts, significantly enhancing realism and comfort in virtual reality experiences.

Contribution

This work introduces the first use of liquid metal in a VR haptic device, combining bimodal feedback with adaptive weight and gravity simulation.

Findings

Participants reported improved realism and comfort.

VibroWeight effectively simulates weight and gravity shifts.

The device is low-cost and compatible with existing VR controllers.

Abstract

Haptic feedback in virtual reality (VR) allows users to perceive the physical properties of virtual objects (e.g., their weight and motion patterns). However, the lack of haptic sensations deteriorates users' immersion and overall experience. In this work, we designed and implemented a low-cost hardware prototype with liquid metal, VibroWeight, which can work in complementarity with commercial VR handheld controllers. VibroWeight is characterized by bimodal feedback cues in VR, driven by adaptive absolute mass (weights) and gravity shift. To our knowledge, liquid metal is used in a VR haptic device for the first time. Our 29 participants show that VibroWeight delivers significantly better VR experiences in realism and comfort.