Wearable Haptic Device to Render 360-degree Torque Feedback on the Wrist

TL;DR

This paper introduces a wearable haptic device that provides 360-degree torque feedback on the wrist, enhancing realism in virtual reality interactions through a novel string-based actuation system.

Contribution

The paper presents a new wearable haptic device capable of rendering comprehensive torque feedback from any angle, integrating control and handle parts with a string tension mechanism.

Findings

Successfully rendered 360-degree torque feedback in VR demos

Enhanced realism in virtual interactions with the device

Demonstrated effective control of wrist torque sensations

Abstract

Haptic feedback increases the realism of virtual environments. This paper proposes a wearable haptic device that renders torque feedback to the user's wrist from any angle. The device comprises a control part and a handle part. The control part consists of three DC gear motors and a microcontroller, while the handle part securely holds the Oculus Quest 2 right controller. The control part manages string tension to deliver the sensation of torque feedback during interactions with virtual tools or objects. The three points of the handle part are connected to the three motors of the control part via strings, which pull the handle part to render precise 360-degree (yaw and pitch) torque feedback to the user's wrist. Finally, to show the effectiveness of the proposed device, two VR demos were implemented- Shooting Game and Shielding Experience.