Another baby step for VR?

Of VR's many problems, the problem of interacting with virtual objects was one of the big ones. The fact that Oculus Rift launched with an XBox gamepad for a controller spoke volumes about the state of VR, basically confirming that you wouldn't be able to do anything in VR that you couldn't do on a standard gaming console... except much, much more expensively.

HTC's Vive launched with slightly better controllers, but the improvement was marginal, akin to attempting to do everything with a pair of short, numb clubs, rather than dexterous, sensitive hands. PSVR's recycled PlayStation Move controllers were basically the same (but worse), and Oculus' Touch controllers were much the same (if slightly better), but interacting VR objects was still very crude, entirely lacking the dexterity and sensation that human beings are accustomed to from lifetimes of real-world, meatspace activities.

The obvious solution? Well, gloves, of course... except that solution brings with it every problem that wearable tech has been wrestling with for decades. How do you make VR gloves that can fit a wide range of users, that don't require (or can survive) regular cleaning, while providing the same level of control with which hands normally come equipped. Oh, and haptic feedback, of course, so that you can "feel," however crudely, the "objects" that you're "touching."

Well, good news, everybody! Somebody was working this particular problem, and are pretty close to releasing their solution to market. As reported by sensors|online:

A company where something interesting and amusing is always happening, BeBop Sensors unveils Forte Data Glove, which it cites as the first full-featured affordable data glove to incorporate haptics, wireless technology, and accurate, rapid sensing for gaming and virtual- and augmented-reality (AR/VR) environments. Forte is also described as an ultra-comfortable one-size-fits-all glove, and quite conducive to lengthy use due to a lightweight and open airy design.

Equipped with haptic feedback actuators, bend sensors, accelerometers and gyro-sensors, and boasting Bluetooth connectivity and a Li-ion battery that powers the whole business for up to 15 hours (recharging in only 2 hours, and allowing wired/USB use even while charging), the Forte Data Glove sounds like a pretty impressive package. And it's open-palmed and adjustable design promises to fit a wide range of hand sizes, while requiring minimal cleaning:

 

The proof is in the pudding, of course, and it remains to be seen whether all of this tech actually works as advertised, but if it does, then BeBop Sensors may have cracked VR's controller problem, leaving only the locomotion problem, simulation sickness, prolonged isolation, and a total lack of an actual use to be overcome before VR can have a real chance to become a thing. Still... progress! Good job, BeBop. I mean that sincerely.