Video: Carnegie Mellon's Maglev Haptic VR Interface

Rob Beschizza got a hands-on with a prototype maglev haptic interface being developed at Carnegie Mellon which uses a pair of wildly expensive donut-shaped electromagnets to produce physical feedback and texture with a fidelity of up to 2 microns.

On the texture board's hard surface, the haptic feedback was so sharp and resolute that the metal grip clanged against it, much as it might on a solid surface. On the board's virtual vinyl record, each groove of the LP was individually distinguishable.

Based on this report, I predict the Nintendo Wii 2 will cost $24,900 dollars.

Hands-On With Maglev Haptic Control Technology [Gadget Lab]

[#1 posted by dculberson , March 5, 2008 12:20 PM]

That is amazing. DO WANT.

But one has to wonder: is it healthy to put your hands in a magnetic field that strong for hours on end? A field strong enough to make metal clang "much as it might on a solid surface." I have no idea, but would be hesitant.

[#2 posted by semiotix , March 5, 2008 1:13 PM]

""Experience the visco-elastic properties of simulated tissue," said Hollis at one point."

Sold.

[#3 posted by dculberson , March 5, 2008 7:59 PM]

That has to be one of the more disturbing phrases I've read today.

[#4 posted by BdgBill , March 6, 2008 10:26 AM]

I'm sure the magnets themselves could be made cheaper but electromagnets that powerful likely suck down a lot of coal juice.

Still the technology could be a breakthrough for the disabled, remote surgery etc.