VR technology is set to provide a unique gaming experience. Scientists have now presented a new project. Suddenly, spiders also become really unpleasant companions while gaming.
VR technology (Virtual Reality) aims to make you immerse yourself more in the game. This is referred to as immersion. How sought after VR and suitable games are is demonstrated by the first VR MMORPG, Zenith. Because the first VR MMORPG was completely overwhelmed at launch and was surprised by its own success.
Scientists and engineers want to make the experience with VR ever more realistic and better. Now a research team from the USA has equipped a VR device with ultrasonic transducers. And the result is fascinating and creepy at the same time.
Scientists enhance VR device with ultrasonic sensors
What was done exactly? A group of scientists from the Future Interfaces Group at Carnegie Mellon University has enhanced the well-known VR device Oculus Quest 2 with new technology.
The team has equipped the VR device with ultrasonic transducers that can generate ultrasonic energy. This area is mounted directly in front of the visor of the Oculus Quest 2 and is directed towards the mouth area of the wearer.
The energy directed at the mouth produces sensations that can pulse, brush over the lips, or vibrate at different speeds and intensities. This is intended to allow the user to replicate certain real feelings. For example, one should be able to perceive when the wind brushes along the lips or when water is felt on the face.
What does this look like in practice? The enhanced device was tested by a young woman in the lab. She had to walk through a dark forest and fight through spider webs. In the end, she is jumped on by a spider and can feel how the spider’s legs try to enter her mouth. In the end, a spider bursts, and she can notice the virtual spider slime on her lips. The participant shows that she finds this visibly unpleasant.
There are also positive aspects. The participant can feel a water fountain on her lips or how she sips a cup of coffee. Therefore, the technology still has a lot of potential for some experiments. You can watch the entire video on YouTube:
“Bugs and spider slime on my lips is exactly what I’ve been missing in VR!”
In the comments, users express both amazement and disgust. One user sarcastically explains under the video that such experiences in VR were just what he was missing.
Another is very impressed and sees it as an improvement in the previous VR experience: “Fantastic. We are getting closer to a fully immersive Metaverse.”
A third explains that such technology could help entirely different people in the future. For example, it could be used to combat loneliness and give people a sense of being kissed:
The only thing we really need is the feeling of being kissed. Combined with realistic graphics that are indistinguishable from real life, the VR simulation of the future may allow billions of lonely people in the world to experience love and affection whenever they need it.
What do you think? Are these experiences and improvements you want for VR, or can you gladly do without creepy crawlies and spider slime? Or does it excite you to feel the guts of spiders on you after a battle in a spider cave? Let us know in the comments.
How well simple technology can already perform is shown by a user on YouTube. The expert has literally built aimbot that is so good it can even defeat many shooter professionals:
Tinkerer builds a real aimbot that aims better than professionals
