HC#41 The haptic glove of the future with Craig Douglass from Contact CI
Podcast Link: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7lm9uURAbYbAZmJTdwTQme?si=dfcf0cda93dd4181
In this episode of the Haptics Club, we were joined by Craig Douglass, co-founder and CEO of Contact CI. His company is developing a different type of force feedback glove based on bioinspired control methods of resistive force feedback. In this episode, we talk about gloves, haptics, and challenges in hardware development. Let’s get right into it!
About Craig Douglas
Craig is the co-founder and CEO of Contact CI. To introduce his entry into haptics, he shared his childhood experiences growing up near an amusement park and being immersed in interactive and experiential environments. His father's job in audiovisual equipment sales and his involvement in running sound at church further shaped his passion for storytelling through technology. Craig mentioned the emergence of consumer VR technology, particularly the Oculus, during his undergraduate years, which inspired him to explore the entrepreneurial space. Collaborating with colleagues, he had a pivotal moment when he realized the importance of incorporating hand tracking in spatial computing to achieve a truly immersive experience. In 2014, he co-founded Contact CI as a Syracuse University startup, focusing on extending the sense of touch in VR and AR through multi-force and ergonomic haptics. This journey led them to develop the concept of "multi-force organics," which integrates natural, ergonomic hand movements into their haptic technology.
Goals and Aspirations of Contact CI
Craig emphasized the importance of input modalities in driving advancements in computer platforms. He cited examples such as touchscreens for smartphones, touchpads for laptops, and gamepads for gaming consoles, which enabled significant leaps in user interaction. For Craig, the long-term inspiration behind Contact CI is to enable individuals to interact with spatial computing platforms using natural and intuitive methods. While acknowledging that achieving 100% realism is a gradual process, he highlighted the significance of simulating key forces and nuances rather than attempting to replicate every single force. Understanding how our brains perceive and interpret sensory information, such as gripping a water bottle, allows Contact CI to focus on nuanced approaches to haptic feedback without overengineering the amount of force applied.
Unveiling the Immersive Experience
Craig explains that their haptic gloves provide a unique experience that may not be obvious at first glance. The gloves have an exit tunnel attached to them, which connects to the finger and recreates the sensation of tension or resistance similar to real-life interactions. For example, when tapping on a desk, there is both an external pushback force and a tightening sensation in the finger, and the device aims to simulate that tight feeling. The gloves allow users to interact with objects by providing force feedback, such as gripping an object and feeling the amount of force applied to it. Additionally, the gloves incorporate vibrotactile fingertip caps, which offer a higher bandwidth and nuanced level of control. This feature enables more precise feedback, such as the mechanical feedback when twisting a dial or the vibration that confirms a successful action. Craig gives an example of a use case in the aviation industry, where gloves can help pilots develop muscle memory for complex cockpit sequences without the need for physical cockpits. By combining tendon feedback and vibration, the gloves aim to provide a tangible tactile experience that allows users to repeat actions and build familiarity in preparation for real-world scenarios.
The Importance of Haptic Gloves Across Different Verticals
Craig discussed the significance of haptic gloves in various industry verticals. He started by mentioning the use of haptic gloves in military training, highlighting their role in creating immersive and realistic simulations. He then moved on to explain their importance in other areas, beginning with the example of teleoperation and telepresence. Craig described a scenario where hands-on skilled workers, during a lockdown period, could still utilize their expertise remotely through robotic avatars. For instance, a mechanic could remotely assist in changing the oil of a car at a shop by controlling a robotic hand with haptic gloves. This application allows skilled workers to extend their capabilities without physically being present at the location. Craig further illustrated the potential benefits in chip manufacturing, where engineers could repair equipment on-site using haptic gloves and VR headsets, reducing the need for time-consuming travel. He referred to this concept as "teleporting through robots," enabling remote manipulation and interaction with a sense of touch.
Insights into Overcoming Hardware Challenges in the Haptics Industry
Craig explains that there is no easy solution or silver bullet when it comes to overcoming the challenges of hardware development. Perseverance is crucial, particularly in the hardware aspect, where the iteration cycle is different from software development. He emphasizes the need to consider the hardware iteration cycle, budgeting, and timeline, taking into account the longer lead times and preparation required. Craig mentions the importance of understanding the threshold for true improvement and value, ensuring that the end user can genuinely perceive and appreciate the advancements made. He highlights the significance of finding internal champions who can advocate for the technology within their organizations. Craig also suggests prototyping things as cheaply as possible and committing resources when necessary. Learning from advisors and observing adoption trends can provide valuable insights. Additionally, he mentions the importance of scalability and cost-effectiveness, aiming for a product that can easily plug into existing ecosystems when scaled up. Craig acknowledges that they are currently in the early stage of haptic technology (DK2 era) and that the product is not yet a fully matured solution. However, getting the technology into the hands of end users and gaining traction is essential for progress. He emphasizes the need for distribution and awareness, even if there are further improvements and features planned for the future.
Future of Haptics: Advancements in AI, Nuanced Feedback, and High-Definition Experiences within 5-10 Years
Craig mentioned some exciting advancements and developments we can expect to see in the field of haptics within the next 5 to 10 years. One notable advancement is the integration of AI and learning modules into haptic technology. Craig envisions a future where creating haptic profiles for different interactions becomes less manual and design-intensive. AI models would be capable of dynamically adjusting haptic feedback based on real-time physics and user inputs. This would lead to more sophisticated and nuanced haptic experiences.
Another exciting prospect is the emergence of a wider range of haptic shaders or profiles. Currently, the number of data points and nuances in haptic feedback is limited, but with advancements in software and AI learning from various profiles, there will be a more diverse and rich set of haptic options available.
Craig also highlighted the evolution of haptics in relation to computing platforms. Similar to how different devices (PC, smartphone, VR headset) have merged for visual computing, haptics will follow a similar trajectory. Haptic feedback will no longer be a binary on/off experience but will be tailored to the specific application and device, offering nuanced and well-designed feedback.
Overall, Craig predicts that within the next 5 to 10 years, haptics will reach a "high-definition" level, comparable to the transition from black and white to color screens. Users will have access to a new standard of haptic experiences, enabling a wide range of spatial interactions.
The Challenges Yet To Face
Craig explains that there are several challenges and barriers that need to be addressed for haptic technology to reach its full potential. He emphasizes the multi-faceted nature of the problem, requiring a combination of skills and expertise from different areas. Craig mentions members of their team who come from fashion design backgrounds, highlighting the importance of considering comfort and aesthetics in wearable haptic devices. They aim to create a product that is not only functional but also visually appealing and comfortable to wear, without impeding natural hand gestures and movements.
Craig further discusses the need for haptic devices to fit different hand sizes and accommodate variations in dexterity and grip strength. Achieving a balance between customization and universality is crucial, where the haptic device can work effectively for a wide range of users. He draws parallels to finding the right fit in shoes or hats, where it needs to be optimal for performance and comfort. However, hardware costs and the challenge of offering a one-size-fits-most solution pose additional obstacles that need to be overcome.
In addressing these challenges, Craig mentions that Contact CI and the industry as a whole are continuously working on finding solutions. They strive to improve the design and functionality of haptic gloves, making them accessible and appealing to a broader audience.
How to get in touch
Craig mentioned that contacts can be found on various social media channels with the handle @contact_ci or on their website. Craig also mentioned that Contacts will be attending AWE as their next in-person event. He encouraged people to reach out to them via email, with his email being craig@contact.ci. He invites individuals to contact them through email to explore how they can extend their hands into virtual reality (VR) and expressed their willingness to chat further about it.
We want to express our sincere gratitude to Craig Douglass for taking the time to share his insights on haptics and the innovations of Contact CI. Thank you, Craig!
Disclaimer: Please note that this blog post has been partially generated by AI and transcribed from an interview. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, there may be occasional flaws or missing information in the transcription process. We apologize for any discrepancies and encourage readers to verify details from additional sources or contact the individuals mentioned for precise and up-to-date information.
