Virtual reality is at an all time high at the moment, with multiple applications and bits of kit to let you experience a whole new world. But most require you to use a controller or physically walk around the room but the UnlimitedHand literally wants you to experience it as naturally as possible.
This project is the brainchild of Japanese company H2L whose KickStarter campaign for the Unlimited Hand has already gone way over their project goals as of time of writing.
The video below should give you an idea on how it works.
The device generally takes away the controller and functions by reading the electrical impulses generated when you use your fingers, which in turn translates into movements in the VR environment. So far it looks like it does a good job in understanding your movements.
But this isn’t all its about. The UnlimitedHand also produces haptic feedback (as in touch something and reacts) via a vibration motor on your arm. You won’t be able to feel textures but you will be able to feel it when you press against something solid. This is what H2L has to say about it:
“To ensure the safety, we’ve been doing research of electric muscle stimulation for more than five years in collaboration with the universities and research institutes in Japan. It is also compliant with Japanese Industrial Standard of electric massager for household use. Don’t worry, it’s as safe as massager!”
Think of it as controlled muscle stimulation.
The KickStarter campaign still has over 50 days to go, and there’s still plenty of time to get behind it though the early bird specials are all gone and you will have to shell out $248 (about RM 1091) for it. The UnlimitedHand is set to ship in April 2016, but expect more demos from the developers after the campaign has ended.
