By Bobby Carlton
The next generation of haptic gloves from HaptX arrives.
Since it launched its first product, the HaptX DK2, in January 2021, HaptX has been pushing the envelope in terms of haptic technology and how it can improve the way XR is used as an enterprise solution. Now, it’s time for the public to get their hands on the company’s next generation of gloves, the HaptX G1 gloves. This is a ground-breaking device that’s designed to be used in large-scale implementations in many industries.
The new HaptX G1 Gloves feature interesting features that are designed to meet the needs of its users. Some of these include wireless mobility, improved ergonomics, and multiuser collaboration.
“With HaptX Gloves G1, we’re making it possible for all organizations to leverage our lifelike haptics,” said Jake Rubin, founder and CEO of HaptX, in an official press release. “Touch is the cornerstone of the next generation of human-machine interface technologies, and the opportunities are endless.”
HaptX Gloves G1 leverages advances in materials science and the latest manufacturing techniques to deliver the first haptic gloves that fit like a conventional glove and delivers necessary precision tactile feedback for jobs that require that type of accuracy.
The flexible and soft materials used in the production of the HaptX G1 provide a level of comfort and dexterity that’s not found in other products. To ensure the users are able to have a good fit, the GI glove is available in different sizes, such as the Medium, Large, and Extra large.
Built into the glove are hundreds of actuators that expand and contract on specific parts of the glove to provide a realistic sense of touch when you interact with various virtual objects. For example if you were to hold a wrench in VR or AR, the actuators in the glove would expand on the parts of your physical hand to convince you that you were actually holding a real wrench.
To do this, the G1 utilizes a wireless Airpack, which is a lightweight device that generates compressed air and controls its flow to provide a physical feedback via the actuators. The Airpack can be worn on your body in backpack mode or placed on a table for standing or seated applications.
The Airpack can be charged using a single charge, which provides it with an additional three hours of use, making it ideal for military, educational, and enterprise applications.
The HaptX SDK provides developers with a variety of features that make it easier to create custom applications for any industry or workflow. One of these is its advanced feedback technology, which can be used to simulate the microscale textures of various surfaces. The G1 also comes with a variety of plugins for platforms such as Unreal Engine and Unity, as well as C++ API.
According to Joe Michaels, HaptX’s Chief Revenue Officer, many organizations resort to using game controllers when developing their metaverse strategies due to how ineffective they are at providing effective touch feedback. With the G1’s ability to provide real-time feedback, businesses can now rely on its capabilities to improve their operations.
To celebrate the G1’s launch, the company is currently taking pre-orders for the G1 through its website. For a limited time, customers can get a pair of the G1 for just $5,495. They can also save money by purchasing a bundle of four sizes.
In addition to pre-ordering and a discounted bundle option, the company is also introducing a subscription program that provides its customers with a comprehensive service and support plan. The subscription includes the Airpack, the SDK, and a comprehensive maintenance and support package.
The subscription for the HaptX G1 Gloves starts at $495 a month. Pre-ordering the product allows customers to make a small deposit to cover the cost of the gloves. Once the G1 is delivered, they can select their subscription options.
The G1 is expected to ship in the third quarter of 2023. To learn more about the G1 and its subscription model, visit the HaptX website.
