The Edge
The Edge

Disney's virtual reality jacket can make you feel buff without hitting the gym

This VR jacket lets you feel what it's like to get hit by a snowball or have a snake on you
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Disney's haptic VR jacket lets you feel snowball impacts and snakes slithering

Virtual reality is already pretty realistic, but tactile experience is limited to handheld sensations or simple vibrations.

Disney is trying to create a more immersive VR experience with Force Jacket. The prototype is made from a converted life jacket that's been retrofitted with 26 airbags.

Using an air compressor, vacuum pump and sensors, each airbag can be manipulated to replicate a sensation such as being hit in the chest by a snowball.

So far, researchers have been able to re-create the sensation of getting tapped on the shoulder, being punched in the side and having a snake coiling its body around the user.

People wearing the vest can even feel what it's like to have their muscles grow to the size of a superhero's.

SOURCE: Disney