VR researchers develop tool that simulates the feel of kisses in Metaverse

WHAT’S BEING CLAIMED:

• Metaverse is looking into making out sessions to take the realism a step further.
• Scientists used special ultrasonic transducers to make improvements on VR hardware and created a device that could imitate mouth feel, including how lips, and tongues feel.
• The developers did not demonstrate how the device could be used to kiss, instead, a haunted adventure game with spiders on their faces was used.

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The interest in haptic technology, also known as kinaesthetic communication or 3D touch, has grown in the metaverse. After seedy “strip club” and naked avatars, the metaverse is looking into making out sessions to take the realism a step further.

This is made possible after the development of a device that imitates mouth feel, including how lips, and tongues feel. Scientists made improvements to VR hardware and accessories to make it seem as lifelike as it looks, and in this case, special ultrasonic transducers were incorporated into a VR headset.

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University said that “haptics boosts realism and immersion, and heightens user reactions,” in an explanation of how the device functions. 

The demonstration of this new technology did not include how the device could be used to kiss. Instead, developers presented using different scenarios, such as a haunted adventure game with spiders.

Testing participants reported sensations on their lips, as they walked through webs, when spiders jumped up and walked on their faces, and even when spiders exploded after shooting at them. 

“Although we demonstrated a range of haptic effects, the vocabulary of sensations is still limited compared to that of the real world (a high bar). That said, it is roughly comparable to that of vibration motors in handheld controllers and many mobile phones, but with more spatial expressivity.

Other demonstrations included drinking at a water fountain, sipping coffee, using a toothbrush, and even smoking a cigarette. This new technology can stimulate sensations one would associate with these activities, including all the touches and vibrations in and around the mouth.

Metaverse, for the time being, is focused on improvements on 360 visuals, sound, and hand controls.

“Nonetheless, we believe VR/AR systems should strive for greater realism, and future work is necessary to expand upon our work.”

Source: The Sun