A physical multi-purpose, tactile 3-D interface is definitely difficult to even concieve of, but seems (relatively) straightforward to spoof. Imagine a VR intef

A physical multi-purpose, tactile 3-D interface is definitely difficult to even concieve of, but seems (relatively) straightforward to spoof. Imagine a VR inteface with an integrated pair of sensory feedback gloves. This would allow you to 'touch' objects and feel texture. To create the illusion of solidity and rigidity, you could integrate some form of shoulder-down exo-suit, which would articulate with every joint of the arm, wrist, and fingers, and could resist motion in any or all joints. Combined, these three pieces could potentially spoof a wide range of tactile interactions. Is there a VR wall 1ft in front of you? The suit would become rigid at that point, spoofing a solid surface. Are you in VR handcuffs? The suit will physically prevent you from pulling your wrists more 4" apart, reproducing the restraint. Is there a VR ball on the table in front of you? You place your hand over it and pick it up with your fingertips, feeling the sensation via the gloves. The weight of the ball would be spoofed via downward force/upward resistance from the point of the exo-sleeve that is in contact with the ball. You try to squeeze the ball, and the suit could provide varied degrees of resistance, giving a sense of the ball's firmness. Etc,etc.