A new generation of augmented and virtual reality users could eventually be closer to digital content than they have ever been after Facebook showed off a prototype of a new feedback glove yesterday. HaptX, the same startup that we covered here before, accused Meta of showing off a prototype that was "substantively identical" to their own patented technology.
Jake Rubin, the CEO of HaptX, stated that his startup has shown off their technology to many engineers, researchers, and executives from Meta, and that they were not consulted by the company on this latest project. Rubin says that they look forward to working with Meta to reach a fair and equitable arrangement that addresses their concerns and allows them to incorporate their innovative technology into their future consumer products.
HaptX is an image.
A person from Meta declined to speak.
HaptX and the recently unveiled Meta prototype use a technology called microfluidic feedback. Microfludic feedback, which uses a network of tubes to control the flow of air through a device, is different from the small motor feedback that is used on your phone or game controller.
Over the years, Facebook has showcased a number of prototypes of various technologies, but often they don't make it to the final products. HaptX has been building gloves for enterprise clients for years, miniaturizing the tech that has required a backpack-sized pneumatic box that helps manage the sensory feedback of the gloves. It is still a very complicated technology that is far away from reaching the same mainstream audience that Facebook has been pursuing with the Quest 2.
Meta's team has made some significant improvements to the technology. In their research post, Meta stated that they had created the world's first high-speed microfluidic processor, a chipset in the glove that controls these feedback controls. One of the company's researchers stated that his goal is to invent soft, lightweight gloves that address both sides of the problem of augmented and virtual reality interaction, helping the computer to accurately understand and reflect the wearer's hand movements, and reproducing a range of complex, nuanced sensations for the
Over the years, Facebook has been accused of unfairly copying products from other companies. Regulators say they have engaged in anti-competitive behavior.
Here is the full statement from Rubin.
HaptX has pioneered the field of HaptX. We have worked hard to promote the unique benefits of the technology, which has been extensively covered in the popular and technology press. We have secured an industry-leading patent portfolio to protect our technology and products, thanks to the longstanding dedication of our engineers, developers, and investors.
>
We have always believed that cooperation is paramount to the development of the industry as a whole. We have hosted many engineers, researchers, and executives from Meta to demonstrate our technology.
>
Meta announced a prototype glove. The core components of this prototype, including the silicone-based pneumatic control architecture, seem to be substantively identical to HaptX's patented technology. Competition must be fair for the industry to thrive.
>
We look forward to working with Meta to reach a fair and equitable arrangement that addresses our concerns and allows them to incorporate our innovative technology into their future consumer products.
HaptX is building a glove with sensors.
