VirCHEW Actuality lastly lets folks gnaw on VR meals

Fashionable digital actuality headsets present actually nice visuals and audio, however many experiences can’t be conveyed by means of these alone. There have been many makes an attempt to develop on that to create extra immersive experiences — we’ve even seen {hardware} to supply scent and thermal suggestions. Nevertheless, we’ve but to see something that may replicate consuming meals within the digital surroundings. VirCHEW Actuality is a novel new venture that goals to let customers gnaw grub in VR.

Actually replicating meals consumption in VR would require one thing like a Star Trek-style replicator and our sources inform us that such expertise is a minimum of a yr or two away. However VirCHEW Actuality is a singular first step in that path — although it’s a very small step. It’s a kinesthetic suggestions system that straps onto the customers face and simulates the bodily sensation of chewing on meals of various textures. In concept, munching on a digital marshmallow would offer a unique feeling than a cracker. 

VirCHEW Actuality works by including resistance to jaw motion with pneumatic pistons. The quantity of strain determines the felt resistance, whereas rising or releasing that strain on the proper time can improve the expertise. 

An Arduino Mega 2560 board, linked to the PC operating the digital surroundings, controls that strain by means of two air pumps related by means of an L298N motor driver. An air strain sensor makes {that a} closed-loop system and a solenoid valve lets it rapidly vent air. A joystick screens the motion of the wearer’s jaw, so the system can reply accordingly.

In testing, VirCHEW Actuality did present sensations by means of which individuals may distinguish between the completely different programmed textures. And including scent (from actual corresponding meals) enhanced the expertise. Contributors did discover VirCHEW Actuality attention-grabbing, however it appears that evidently novelty may very well be the first purpose for that — quite than convincing immersion.

Picture credit score: Q. Liu et al.