Thanks to robots controlled with VR haptic gloves, humans are being kept safe from exposure to radiation and toxic materials.
In nuclear facilities, disaster zones, and toxic cleanup sites, robots are stepping in to take on tasks that are too dangerous for human hands. But when controlling robots with joysticks or mechanical interfaces can feel clunky and imprecise, a rapidly advancing technology is changing the game for risky robotic operations — VR haptic gloves.
This technology is bringing the sense of touch into robotic teleoperation, letting users feel what a robot is holding, adjust their grip, and manipulate hazardous objects as if they were handling them themselves. VR haptic gloves are making telerobotics easier, more precise, and safer, especially in high-risk situations.
With industries facing increasing risks and worker shortages in high-hazard fields, VR haptic gloves are becoming a game-changer for nuclear cleanup, defense, and emergency response teams worldwide.
The U.S. Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is already experimenting with VR haptic gloves in one of the most challenging environments: toxic waste cleanups. Researchers are integrating SenseGlove Nova VR haptic gloves into a pair of robotic arms. Wearing the gloves, workers can make the robot reach for, grab, and dispose of toxic objects. This setup gives workers full control over the robot’s hands while keeping them at a safe distance from contamination.
“The fact that now we’re focusing on high-risk facilities is really an endeavor that is meritorious, and at this point we require technologies like this to protect our workers,” said Anamary Daniels, Inspection Experts VP, about the Oak Ridge National Lab project.
Meanwhile, in Europe, the Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO) has been testing similar uses. Their researchers have developed a remote robotic system powered by SenseGlove VR haptic gloves, which lets operators interact with dangerous environments while being miles away from harm. Users get to “feel” what the robot feels when grabbing dangerous objects, without actually needing to be there.
Why VR haptic gloves are a breakthrough for telerobotics
Integrating VR haptic gloves into robotic teleoperation is shifting how humans and robots collaborate. They give operators a direct, intuitive connection to their robotic counterparts, becoming a unique team in keeping humans safe at work. The result?
- Increased precision: Operators can manipulate robotic hands with the same dexterity as their own, making delicate tasks easier.
- Improved worker safety: Robots handle the radioactive, toxic, or explosive materials, while humans remain safe.
- Intuitive and natural control: Instead of relying on complicated controls, operators can use their hands to naturally control robots in real time.
As VR gear, telerobotics, and haptic technology continue to evolve, industries are entering a new era: one where workers no longer need to step into dangerous environments to get the job done. VR haptic gloves are helping humans and robots work together to redefine safety, efficiency, and control in the workplace.
Want to enhance precision and safety in your robotic operations with haptics? Contact us to learn how SenseGlove can help you bring the power of touch to telerobotics.
