Seattle startup HaptX lands grant to build full-body ‘robotic exoskeleton’ for virtual reality
HaptX just landed funding from the National Science Foundation to create a full-body haptic system.
The 8-year-old Seattle startup received a $1.5 million grant and will work with Virginia Tech and the University of Florida on a 4-year project called ForceBot. The system combines HaptX’s microfluidic touch feedback technology with a “robotic exoskeleton.” The idea is to let people feel and touch in a virtual environment, or manipulate objects from afar with a robotic avatar.
“We have always had a larger vision to create a full-body haptic system, something akin to the Holodeck, an environment simulator that can deliver realistic feedback to your arms and legs as well as your eyes, ears and hands,” said Joe Michaels, chief revenue officer at HaptX.
See the full story here: https://www.geekwire.com/2020/seattle-startup-haptx-lands-grant-build-full-body-robotic-exoskeleton-virtual-reality/