FlowGlove: A Liquid-Based Wearable Device for Haptic Interaction in Virtual Reality.

Current hand-worn haptic devices can render a variety of tactile sensations. However, few studies focus on providing a real liquid tactile experience with those devices in virtual reality scenes. To address this gap, we extend the potential of liquid sensation with the FlowGlove, an innovative wearable device with the tactile sensation of pressure, vibration, and temperature enabling virtual reality haptic interactions. FlowGlove system includes five sections: a liquid bladder, cooling system, pneumatic actuation, vibration section, and command operation. FlowGlove in active mode delivers sensations through water flowing in the liquid bladder and can provide cold feeling under the action of the water cycle cooling system. It can also render haptic feelings of touch, fondle, and grip, which generates sensation in different parts of hands. Studies evaluated the material properties and pneumatic effect of FlowGlove. We also explored several applications leveraging this liquid-based haptic approach. In different scenarios, FlowGlove provides users dynamic haptic sensation experience that enhances interaction in water-related virtual reality scenes.