VR Glove Startup Claims Meta Copied Its Technology
HaptX Accuses Meta of Utilizing Patented Technology in New Glove Prototype
Meta, formerly known as Facebook, recently presented a new prototype haptic feedback glove. This device, according to the company, has the potential to significantly enhance the immersive experience for the next wave of AR/VR users.
However, HaptX, a VR startup focused on similar technology, has issued a strong statement. They allege that Meta’s prototype is “substantively identical” to their own technology, which is protected by patents.
Details from HaptX CEO Jake Rubin
Jake Rubin, CEO of HaptX, explained that his company has demonstrated its technology to numerous Meta engineers, researchers, and executives over time. He emphasized that HaptX was not consulted during the development of Meta’s latest project.
Rubin stated, “We anticipate collaborating with Meta to establish a fair and equitable agreement. This arrangement would address our concerns and allow them to integrate our innovative technology into their future consumer products.”
Meta has declined to provide a comment through a company spokesperson.
Microfluidic Feedback: The Core Technology
Both the HaptX system and the Meta prototype leverage microfluidic feedback. Traditional haptic feedback, found in phones and controllers, relies on motors to create vibrations.
In contrast, microfluidic feedback simulates more complex sensations across the entire hand. This is achieved through actuators that regulate airflow within a network of tubes, accurately mimicking the feeling of grasping objects or experiencing diverse textures rendered digitally.
Meta’s History of AR/VR Prototypes
Meta has consistently unveiled AR/VR prototypes showcasing advanced technologies. Not all of these innovations ultimately appear in their final consumer products, but they serve to explore the boundaries of technological possibility.
HaptX has been developing haptic gloves for enterprise clients for several years. They have worked to reduce the size of the technology, which initially required a backpack-sized pneumatic system to manage the sensory feedback.
This technology remains complex and is likely several years away from widespread adoption by the general public, a market Meta has been actively pursuing with the Quest 2.
Meta’s Advancements in Microfluidic Technology
Meta’s team has demonstrably made significant progress in this field. Their research blog post highlighted the creation of “the world’s first high-speed microfluidic processor.” This chipset, integrated into the glove, controls the haptic feedback mechanisms.
A Meta researcher articulated the team’s objective: “to develop soft, lightweight haptic gloves that comprehensively address the AR/VR interaction challenge. This includes accurately interpreting and reflecting the wearer’s hand movements, and replicating a wide spectrum of complex sensations – pressure, texture, and vibration – to simulate the sensation of physically interacting with virtual objects.”
Concerns Regarding Meta’s Practices
Meta has faced criticism in the past from startups alleging unfair replication of their products. The company has also attracted scrutiny from regulatory bodies concerning potentially anti-competitive practices.
