The Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) in Taiwan has developed a haptics shirt that can enhance VR and metaverse sports and fitness experiences with sensory feedback over the body.

Called iMetaWear, it is designed to provide the user with more immersive gameplay as a result of bodily sensations that make the scenario feel more real. For example, during a VR boxing match, the opponent’s punches can be felt by the user in different parts of the body. However, the shirt could have value in other industries and use cases too, such as physical therapy.

Fitted with ten haptic points and four sets of electrodes, when combined they provide 24 combinations of force and speed. Image recognition technology recognises motion and generates electrical currents within the shirt to create the sensation of impact where the virtual version was applied.

According to the government-funded research centre, dry, washable, fabric-based electrodes are “screen printed into somatosensory garments”, eliminating the need for adhesive electrodes. A clip-on box, which attaches at waist level and includes a rechargable battery as a power source, magnetically attaches to the connection points on the shirt. As it can unclip, the shirt can also go through the washing machine like a standard item of clothing.

“iMetaWear is a cutting-edge smart clothing technology that revolutionises the virtual sports experience, offering users an unparalleled level of immersion,” Roger Cheng, ITRI vice president and general director of the Service Systems Technology Center told HCM.

“We are proud to showcase iMetaWear as a prime example of ITRI's innovative thinking and technological advancements, and we look forward to exploring its potential applications in fields such as rehabilitation and physical therapy.”

According to Deloitte’s recent 2023 marketing report, interest in the metaverse is growing fast. Following a survey of over one thousand marketing executives, it says that most industries will gravitate towards the metaverse over the next two years.

ITRI told HCM that the shirt has been developed for B2B purposes and will reach the market through a tech transfer or by licensing the technology to a manufacturer, who would then sell to consumers.

“With iMetaWear, the possibilities are endless,” added Cheng.