The use of haptics, and specifically haptic gloves, in training and research simulations has exponentially increased. In whichever field they are applied, haptics provide a new level of immersion and realism. But what is the actual, numeric impact of integrating haptics? In this blog, we explore the advantages of using haptics in corporate and training settings.
Natural interactions enhance the effectiveness of VR simulations. Different research shows that haptic gloves make the virtual experience more immersive, safe, and efficient compared to traditional controllers. Here are some numbers:
100% of participants prioritise XR for natural interactions in training
In a company research led by Volkswagen, 100% of the trainees who completed a VR training, found that using gloves felt more realistic than controllers. Being able to naturally interact with the objects, using and moving your hands as you would in real-life scenarios, not only makes the training more realistic, but it increases muscle memory and user engagement.
The same is shown in another use case. Captain Ewoud, Staff Officer of Research and Development for the Royal Netherlands Army Simulation Centre said, “Using regular controllers in VR is an artificial way of interaction, nobody ever pushes a button with their fist. Grabbing things, moving things needs to be as natural as possible.”
90.9% of participants value XR for safety aspects
An important element of haptic gloves is the safety they provide. Haptics allow training to be conducted with zero geographical boundaries and no external environment or factors to be harmed. For example, operating a robot with haptic gloves from one location, while the robot is in an entirely different one. Or undergoing surgery training on realistic virtual patients, without anyone being put at risk.
In a survey conducted by a group of UK Research Centers, 90.9% of the participants reported that XR haptics would provide a safe place to learn. In fact, the majority of the participants expressed that they would feel more comfortable and safer practising in an XR environment, than traditional approaches.
84% of participants prioritise haptics for learning and education
Haptics offer a new level of safety and immersion in virtual environments, but can they be used to teach? A research publication led by Staffordshire University sheds light on this question. The study found that 84% of participants emphasised the importance of haptics for enabling natural interactions with artifacts, underscoring how critical touch feedback is for realistic and engaging experiences. Furthermore, a survey conducted by a group of UK Research Centers revealed that 95.5% of participants considered touch to be a crucial component of extended reality (XR) education.
These findings highlight the significant role haptics play in enhancing teaching methods, paving the way for its adoption in educational and practical applications.
Conclusion
Integration of haptic technology, particularly haptic gloves, into everyday processes and tasks has shown significant promise across various fields. From enhancing realism and engagement in VR simulations to providing a safe and effective training environment, haptics are revolutionising how we interact with virtual environments. The research demonstrates that haptics not only create a more immersive experience, but they also contribute to safer and more comfortable learning and training scenarios.
