FURI | Fall 2019

A Force-Tracking Restraint System for Novel Movement and Sensation in Virtual Reality

Despite significant advancements in the visual side of virtual reality (VR) due to improved headset technology, physical movement and sensation in VR have yet to be effectively implemented. The physical presence of one’s body is very important for VR’s uses in medical treatments, however, so the development of a force-tracking system could be key in increasing VR’s relevance. A restraint system with two degrees of freedom (DOF) on the arm was developed, and when combined with vibrational haptics on the hand it allowed for intuitive movement of a virtual arm and a body transfer illusion. Future work is needed in better haptics, more DOFs, and other sensing options for muscular cocontraction.