All Mode
No matter how stunning the visuals may be, how immersive you may find the encounter, or how deeply arousing you find your VR partner, virtual sex is still missing one major component of what makes actual IRL sexual activity so damn enjoyable: touch.
Virtual Contact: Some Strings Attached
Image: Nintendo 64 controller with Rumble Pak, Playstation Dual Shock Controller; two early haptic feedback devices.
The ability to reach out and feel an object in front of you isn’t only valuable when said object is a supple female breast; it’s also invaluable for avoiding collisions, recognizing objects, and expressing both affection and aggression. Bringing a solid sense of touch to virtual reality has long been a challenge considered insurmountable. Nevertheless, haptic tech developers see too much potential to let this dream die. From physical rehabilitation and medicine to space exploration and autonomous vehicles medicine, and, of course, futuristic sex work, haptic feedback’s contributions to our future are expected to be huge.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LzLht9m51XQ
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University led by Cathy Fang, candidate for a joint degree in mechanical engineering and human-computer interaction, have developed a shoulder-mounted device that utilizes spring-loaded strings to limit the movement of a user’s fingers and hand, essentially creating a virtual response to touching absent objects. As the user approaches an object, strings increase their resistance to simulate running one’s hand over the surface of said object, feeling the 3D map of its surface.
Fewer Motors, More Mobility
Image: Nia Nacci (VR Bangers)
Where other string-based haptic devices used motors for control, Fang and her fellow researchers were aiming for something lighter and more affordable, something that everyday users could potentially embrace. Paired with a VR headset with Leap Motion hand-and-finger-tracking sensor, the springs and strings are locked when the user’s reach approaches a virtual barrier or object. This limits user movement in a manner quite similar to coming up against real-world objects. Each object can be programmed to have its own resistive force. In fact, you could soon be comparing the suppleness of your favorite porn star racks, augmented and natural, to see who and what you prefer to fondle.
Definitely sitting at the more cumbersome end of the haptic device spectrum, you’re unlikely to see this CMU-developed haptic device directly benefitting the VR porn market. What it does prove, however, is that haptics will only become ubiquitous once the price, size, and weight have all been minimized. Weighing around 10oz and designed to set consumers back no more than $50, Fang and her colleagues have produced a device that will no doubt propel other haptic developers to perfect such a solution and soon have us virtually groping every pornstar body you’ve ever ogled.
Seems like it would take some time to hook up all that gear. I imagine it would be well worth it though.
@$50 and less than 10oz, it sounds promising.