Towards Inducing Weight Perception in Virtual Reality Through a Liquid-based Haptic Controller

Rendering haptic sensations while interacting with virtual objects, such as experiencing weight is essential for creating natural virtual reality (VR) experiences. However, accurately providing the forces required to sense an object?s weight poses a demanding challenge. Hence, standard VR setups do not allow users to experience different weight sensations. In this paper, we propose a haptic VR controller design that renders the weight of virtual objects by regulating the mass of the controller through liquid transfer. Our planned system consists of two tracked controllers that contain a water bag. They are connected to a liquid reservoir in the back, to or from which water is transferred to change the weight of the controller. A Microcontroller determines the weight of each reservoir via a bi-directional water pump and a set of solenoid valves. To evaluate the prototype, we are planning to investigate in a study whether our system can enhance the VR experience and sense of presence while lifting and swinging virtual objects. Furthermore we plan to examine, whether the device can be used to amplify avatar embodiment.