An exoskeleton glove named Dexmo has just been unveiled by Dextra Robotics. It's a new side-line gadget that hopes to bring users the addition of touch sensitivity when using VR platforms. "Dexmo is a wearable mechanical exoskeleton that captures your hand motion. It provides the possibility for a new type of human-machine-interaction in the field of robotics and virtual reality," the company's website claims.
Dextra Robotics gave more details about Dexmo via a Reddit AMA, noting that the experimental tech is currently in a beta development stage. The tech has been designed to specifically help users to touch, feel and interact with virtual objects in environments provided by VR devices such as the Oculus Rift headset.
"It works like this, when the avatar you are controlling hits a digital object, a signal is sent back via our SDK to Dexmo F2 and the small actuators actuates, brakes the joint and locks the exoskeleton. When you further bend your finger inwards, a normal force will be created on your fingertip," the creators explained.
Dexmo can also be linked up with the STEM controller system in order for hand wearing the gadget to be placed accurately in the virtual space. Although the current 3D printed prototypes are said to be fragile, the company does have plans to create the final product out of metal.
Dextra Robotics is launching a Kickstarter campaign for the hardware this month, and hopes to offer Dexmo commercially around $200 if its funding goal is reached.
