SenseGlove, a developer of force and haptic feedback gloves, has recently announced worldwide shipping of its SenseGlove Nova 2 haptic gloves.

Nova 2 uses advanced haptic technologies. Combination of force – and vibrotactile feedback, wireless compact design and successful enterprise applications makes it the most practical XR glove on the market.

Force Feedback

By applying resistance through its magnetic friction brakes, SenseGlove emulates the feeling of size and stiffness. The Nova incorporates four brakes dedicated to each finger from thumb to ring finger. Each brake delivers up to 20N of force, which is equivalent to the weight of a 2 kg brick on each finger and makes for unparalleled force feedback. The different amounts of force, transferred to the fingertips through mechanical wires, allows SenseGlove to enhance training simulations with a wide variety of virtual objects, from robust engines and tools to fragile light bulbs.

Vibrotactile feedback

SenseGlove has embedded an advanced voice coil actuator technology that allows the Nova to render the feeling of realistic button clicks, vibrations and impact simulations, which are crucial for virtual reality training with tools and dashboards. Both the thumb and the index finger have their own vibrotactile actuator, while the voice coil actuator is located in the hub of the glove.  

Finger tracking

SenseGlove Nova combines sensor-based finger tracking with computer vision hand tracking algorithms. There are 4 sensors to capture the flexion and extension of the thumb, the index, the middle and the ring fingers, plus 1 sensor to capture the abduction and adduction of the thumb. These movements are captured by measuring the extension of the cables on the Nova Glove.

Related Smart Gloves Could Teach New Physical Skills

Usages during training

First responder training

Using VR and haptic gloves, trainees can physically practice procedures and interactions that involve any equipment required: from fire hoses to medical defibrillators. This allows the trainees to build their muscle memory and respond much quicker.

Installation training

Haptic feedback gloves allow for training of any difficult procedures in a risk-free environment. The force feedback feature allows for the trainees to physically feel the different shapes, while the vibrotactile feedback stimulates the handling of equipment and tools.

Maintenance training

Nova haptic gloves allow for a natural feel of hand tools: using different types of wrenches, feeling pliers resist squeezing while vibrotactile feedback enhances interactions with power tools like grinders and saws.

Assembly training

Haptic feedback gloves allow for a complex assembly simulation, consisting of multiple complex tasks. This could involve anything like drilling, screwing of fixing particular components together. They also allow trainees to feel the shapes, sizes and density of industrial objects.