A Wearable Force-Feedback Mechanism for Immersive Free-Range Haptic Experience

Abstract

This chapter presents the development of a wearable force-feedback mechanism designed to provide a free-range haptic experience within the spectrum of Extended Reality (XR). The proposed system offers untethered six degrees-of-freedom and small- to medium-scale force-feedback, enabling users to immerse themselves in haptic interactions within virtual environments. The hardware comprises a modified 3D Systems Touch haptic device, driven by software that allows for ambulatory exploration of various haptic aspects. Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the precision, ergonomics, stability, usability, user experience, and performance of the system. Despite indication of software and hardware deficiencies, the results highlight the potential of combining haptic force-feedback and ambulatory XR to enhance immersion in free-range virtual environments. Furthermore, the integration of Mixed Reality pass-through enables users to seamlessly merge real-world environments with augmenting virtual elements. This extension contributes to the exploration of new possibilities for immersive and interactive experiences within mixed reality applications. Future research can delve deeper into the prototype’s potential, further unlocking opportunities for haptic-enabled ambulatory XR experiences and pushing the boundaries of immersive technologies.