UnlimitedHand is a new haptic wearable controller by H2L, a hardware startup that has emerged from the University of Tokyo.
The device was announced by H2L CEO Kenichiro Iwasaki at TechCrunch Disrupt SF 2015, with a Kickstarter campaign simultaneously launched.
As start-up observers The Bridge write:
With a bandage-like device having motion sensor and muscle displacement sensor around the arm, the UnlimitedHand controller allows users to input their hand motions into a game. The device has a functional electrical stimulator that gives users a virtual touch, allowing users to “feel” the impact or the touch of a character in a game.
The idea is you integrate the UnlimitedHand with head-mounted VR devices like the Oculus Rift.
The UnlimitedHand uses muscle sensors, 3D motion sensors, multi-channel electronic muscle stimulators (EMS), and vibration motors to add a truly tactile dimension to virtual-reality gaming.
UnlimitedHand is available $188-$248 as pre-order through the Kickstarter campaign.
The campaign has been successful. At the time of writing, the developers already have well exceeded their goal, with more than 140 backers and 58 days of fundraising still to go. It is set for delivery in November 2015.
