 |
|
|
 |
13 Mar 2023
iMetaWear launches haptics shirt for VR and the metaverse
BY
Frances Marcellin
|
The iMetaWear shirt in action
photo: ITRI
The Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) in Taiwan has developed a haptics shirt that can enhance VR and metaverse sports and fitness experiences with sensory feedback over the body. Called iMetaWear, it is designed to provide the user with more immersive gameplay as a result of bodily sensations that make the scenario feel more real. For example, during a VR boxing match, the opponent’s punches can be felt by the user in different parts of the body. However, the shirt could have value in other industries and use cases too, such as physical therapy.
Fitted with ten haptic points and four sets of electrodes, when combined they provide 24 combinations of force and speed. Image recognition technology recognises motion and generates electrical currents within the shirt to create the sensation of impact where the virtual version was applied.
According to the government-funded research centre, dry, washable, fabric-based electrodes are “screen printed into somatosensory garments”, eliminating the need for adhesive electrodes. A clip-on box, which attaches at waist level and includes a rechargable battery as a power source, magnetically attaches to the connection points on the shirt. As it can unclip, the shirt can also go through the washing machine like a standard item of clothing.
“iMetaWear is a cutting-edge smart clothing technology that revolutionises the virtual sports experience, offering users an unparalleled level of immersion,” Roger Cheng, ITRI vice president and general director of the Service Systems Technology Center told HCM.
“We are proud to showcase iMetaWear as a prime example of ITRI's innovative thinking and technological advancements, and we look forward to exploring its potential applications in fields such as rehabilitation and physical therapy.”
According to Deloitte’s recent 2023 marketing report, interest in the metaverse is growing fast. Following a survey of over one thousand marketing executives, it says that most industries will gravitate towards the metaverse over the next two years.
ITRI told HCM that the shirt has been developed for B2B purposes and will reach the market through a tech transfer or by licensing the technology to a manufacturer, who would then sell to consumers.
“With iMetaWear, the possibilities are endless,” added Cheng.
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Connect with
Leisure Management |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| News headlines |
|
|
|
 |
|
20 May 2024
Leisure, lifestyle, wellness and entertainment growth investor, Imbiba, has invested in boutique gym brand, 1Rebel's holding company, One Rebel Ltd,
.... more>> |
|
|
|
 |
|
20 May 2024
Urban Gym Group will launch PILAT3S at ClubSportive in Amsterdam next month, to create a boutique-in-gym experience. PILAT3S is the newly-launched
.... more>> |
|
|
|
 |
|
20 May 2024
The American Council on Exercise has appointed Dr Cedric Bryant as its new CEO. Bryant takes up the new position on 1 July, following on from
.... more>> |
|
|
|
 |
|
17 May 2024
The Global Wellness Institute (GWI) has released promising new research on the wellness real estate market at its third-annual Wellness Real Estate &
.... more>> |
|
|
|
 |
|
14 May 2024
Paul Hawco, a seasoned figure in the international wellness industry, has assumed the role of executive director – integrated wellbeing at
.... more>> |
|
|
|
 |
|
13 May 2024
Speaking to HCM, global CEO of Lift Brands, Ty Menzies, has confirmed that the company – owner of Snap Fitness and Fitness On Demand – is up
.... more>> |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
| Company profile |
|
|
| Catalogue gallery |
|
|
| Featured Supplier |
|
 |
|
|
|
in this issue
• Virgin gets right to wipe out rent arrears
• Fitness industry mourns passing of Jan Spaticchia
• STA offers mindfulness resources
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
| Latest jobs |
 |
Fitness Instructor
Salary: £23,144 to £25,138pa
Location: Moulsecoomb, Brighton and Hove, Brighton, UK
Company: University of Brighton
|
|
Duty Manager
Salary: Competitive
Location: Clevedon
Company: Everyone Active
|
|
Swim Teacher
Salary: Competitive
Location: Bristol
Company: Everyone Active
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Diary dates |
|
| Powered
by leisurediary.com |
 |
|
|
|
|
