The interest in virtual reality technologies, which is expected to play a major role in the future of technology, is increasing day by day. Virtual reality studies, which gained momentum with the introduction of the Metaverse concept into our lives, also promise us a life that we cannot have in real life. However, the fact that virtual reality technology is ‘virtual’ in its name means that we cannot perceive many things with our sense organs when using this technology.
However, scientists seem to have found a solution to this problem as well. Thanks to a newly developed technology, it is now possible to ‘kiss’ with real feeling in virtual reality.
With new technology, the pulse is directed to relevant areas
From Carnegie Mellon University’s Human-Computer Interaction Institute Researchers from the Future Interfaces Group (FIG), or aka Future Interfaces Group (FIG), have found a way in virtual reality to make users feel sensations on their lips, teeth and tongue.
In order to improve the technology in question, researchers from FIG made some modifications to an existing virtual reality headset so that the headset emits acoustic energy. Thanks to this technology, which is compatible with existing VR hardware, the heart rate; were directed in and around the mouth, so that in tests, users experienced simulated situations prepared by the researchers, such as brushing teeth, smoking, and drinking coffee.
Virtual reality experience, ‘closer’ than ever to real life
A report by Gizmodo on the new VR technology adds other contexts to the research in question. Accordingly, it is stated that the developers can use this technology as a potential solution to simulate the kissing experience in a virtual reality environment.
However, FIG also shares what he said about the experiences of the participants who had the chance to try the equipment. In one of these comments, an anonymous test participant said, “I tried to slap the spider in my mouth,” underlining that the experience felt very real. If new technology makes us ‘really’ feel like a spider is hovering over our face in virtual reality, it means that the virtual experience is closer to real life than ever before.