The CoVR project aims to improve haptic feedback, i.e. the sense of touch, in virtual reality. CoVR is a virtual reality arena augmented by a robotic system to make virtual objects tangible. This platform is at the crossroads of human-computer interaction (HCI), virtual reality, robotics and haptics, and thus illustrates a wide range of ISIR’s expertise.
The context
Numerous systems for stimulating touch are being developed around the world. The originality of the CoVR project lies in its robotic interface, which anticipates the user’s movements, and moves “props” – real, inexpensive everyday objects (a ball, a door, a wall, etc.) – into contact with the user.
In concrete terms, a column attached to a Cartesian robot moves through an arena and interacts with the user. When the user approaches the virtual wall with his or her hand, our robotic column will move to the right place at the right time. So when the virtual hand touches the virtual wall, the real hand will touch the column at exactly the same moment, giving the impression of touching a real, solid wall.
Objectives
The objectives of the CoVR project are :
- To be positioned as a VR experience demonstrator to showcase the laboratory’s expertise to academic and industrial partners ;
- An educational platform so that future engineers in virtual reality can have an experience on a platform implementing cutting-edge techniques and tools ;
- A space for popularizing advances in the field of robotics and human-machine interaction, and awakening the passion of the youth.
The results
The CoVR platform was published at the ACM UIST conference: https://hal.science/hal-02931830
It’s also a working platform, with several demonstrators already on show at the Fête des Sciences. Work is continuing to improve immersion and offer new, even more impressive demonstrations.
Partnerships and collaborations
ISIR is currently collaborating with ISART Digital, a school of video games, 3D animation and special effects, which incorporates scientific aspects into its curriculum. Students were able to contribute their own expertise to the project, enabling the development of scenes highlighting the platform’s strong points.
