In the ever-evolving world of virtual reality (VR), haptic technology is rapidly becoming a focal point for developers and enthusiasts alike. The ability to “feel” in a virtual environment has the potential to revolutionize the way we interact with digital worlds. Recently, we had the opportunity to sit down with Lucas, a rising star in the VR community, to discuss his innovative haptic glove project and gain insights into the future of VR.
A New Era of Interaction
Greeting the hosts warmly, Lucas began by recounting his unexpected foray into the world of VR. What started as a mere passion project, with Lucas posting his progress online for fun, quickly garnered attention. “I never anticipated the traction it would gain,” Lucas shared, reflecting on how this project set the trajectory for his involvement in VR Technology for the upcoming years.
Lucas’s haptic glove project is not just another VR accessory. It’s a testament to the potential of open-source technology and community collaboration. “The finger tracking works in any game that already works with Valve Index Controllers,” Lucas explained, highlighting the glove’s compatibility with existing VR platforms.
However, the journey to creating such a device isn’t without its challenges. Lucas pointed out the necessity of having a 3D printer, as all the right components of the glove are 3D printed. But he also mentioned the growing accessibility of such technology, noting, “Say your library locally has a 3D printer or you know someone… there are also lots of websites out there… that you can upload a 3D file to, and they will print it and mail it to you.”
The Ethical Implications of Advanced VR
As the conversation delved deeper into the future of VR, Lucas touched on the ethical considerations of brain-computer interfacing (BCI). “If you could even imagine that there is this hypothetical device that puts you in the matrix and it feels like you’re just like in real life… what kind of things could someone be subjected to if they lose control of the environment?” he pondered.
“Imagine a device that immerses you completely, making the virtual indistinguishable from reality. The ethical implications are vast,” Lucas cautioned.
Lucas also emphasized the importance of infrastructure in the widespread adoption of advanced VR technologies. “It’s going to be one of those things that, especially as streamed VR starts becoming a bigger thing… that’s something that’s only going to work in areas that have really, really low latency internet.”
Medical Marvels with VR
Lucas’s vision for VR extended to the medical field as well. He spoke of a future where surgeries could be performed remotely via VR, breaking geographical barriers and making specialized medical care accessible to all.
The Road Ahead
Lucas’s passion for VR and his dedication to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible are evident. When asked about the future of his haptic gloves, he expressed hope for broader accessibility. “The only thing that’s really missing is the infrastructure for more people to be able to use the gloves,” he said, emphasizing the potential of the gloves if they were compatible with more widely-used devices like the Oculus Quest.
As the interview drew to a close, Lucas’s gratitude was evident. “Thank you so much for having me on board. This was amazing,” he expressed. Alex reciprocated the sentiment, stating, “We’re big fans and we are following along every step of the way. We really appreciate you.”
In a world where VR and AR are poised to redefine our realities, visionaries like Lucas are leading the charge. His insights, combined with his passion, make it clear that the future of VR is in capable hands.
View the entire interview here:
