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Facebook invents ‘vibrating bracelet’ that lets you ‘feel’ virtual objects

FACEBOOK researchers have created a sensory wristband called ‘Tasbi' which has been designed to give vibrations, squeezes and visual illusions to its wearers.

The 'haptic feedback' prototype should be worn on both wrists and can make users feel like they're holding an invisible object.

 The wristband sends sensations through the wearers hand
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The wristband sends sensations through the wearers handCredit: UploadVR/Facebook

Haptic feedback is when a device communicates with a user using touch.

Six Facebook Reality Labs researchers worked to create the Tasbi device alongside an interning PhD student from Rice University in the US.

It was recently displayed at the World Haptics Conference 2019 and pitched as a virtual reality and augmented reality wrist-worn haptic device.

The wristband contains technology that precisely controls squeezing sensations and vibrations which, along with visual stimulation, can trick the user into thinking they are touching objects even though nothing is coming into contact with their fingers.

 The wristbands could aid virtual reality experiences
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The wristbands could aid virtual reality experiencesCredit: GREE VR Studio Lab
 Facebook has already launched touch controllers for use with VR headsets
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Facebook has already launched touch controllers for use with VR headsetsCredit: Reuters

The device does not currently track a users fingers movements but that could be make possible if it was worn with a headset that included the relevant technology.

Facebook also filed a patent for a device earlier this year that detects the position of your fingers via a probing signal in a different wristband.

This device might seem odd right now but it could actually have wide uses in the fields of social interaction, gaming and training.

These wristbands still wouldn't replace touch controllers, such as the ones Facebook created for its Oculus Rift virtual reality headsets.

The research paper that explains more about the device is expected to be published in the next few weeks.

 The bracelets could have lots of future applications
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The bracelets could have lots of future applicationsCredit: GREE VR Studio Lab

What is haptic feedback?

Here's what you need to know...

  • Haptic feedback is when a device communicates with a user using touch
  • Lots of devices we use nowadays predominately communicate with us via sight and sound
  • Haptic feedback gives devices the power to touch you back
  • A vibrating mobile phone is a version of haptic feedback but the technology is being developed so that wearable devices could one day provide a range of sensory feelings
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Would you wear this Facebook bracelet? Let us know in the comments...


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