For virtual reality experiences to really have mass appeal, they must offer a certain level of immersion, which realistic graphics alone don’t deliver. Aware of this, many companies are working on various immersion-enhancing solutions, from rotating chairs to full-body suits. One such company, HaptX, has recently announced a Series A-1 financing round of USD 12 million.
“HaptX’s USD 12 million in growth financing brings the company’s total funding to USD 31 million. The round includes participation from existing investors Verizon Ventures, Mason Avenue Investments, Taylor Frigon Capital Partners, and Upheaval Investments,” states HaptX in its official press release.
The money will be used to improve the realistic haptic technology behind its HaptX Gloves DK2, the only pair of haptic gloves on the market today that displaces the skin the same way a real object would, featuring 133 tactile feedback points. The gloves also feature lightweight exotendons capable of applying up to 40 lbs. (175 N) of resistive force per hand to accurately simulate the feeling of squeezing a real object.
The realistic haptic technology developed by HaptX is aimed predominantly at the enterprise sector. Possible use cases include robotic surgeries and remote working. The entertainment sector, and especially the video game industry, and also find numerous uses for the technology.
HaptX is currently constructing a new headquarters in the Seattle area and looking for talented professionals in mechanical engineering, software development, sales, and operations.
“The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated enterprise adoption of virtual reality and telerobotics,” said Jake Rubin, Founder and CEO of HaptX. “With fresh capital and a new state-of-the-art headquarters, we’re well positioned to scale our workforce to meet this growing demand.”
You can find more information about the company and its haptic technology on its website.
