For years, people have dreamed of a truly immersive VR experience—something that makes you feel completely present in a virtual world. While modern VR headsets have come a long way, there are still limitations, and one of the biggest hurdles is the controller. These devices are functional for basic tasks like picking up objects, but they often feel unnatural. Even advanced gloves like Manus only offer vibration feedback, which tells you something is there, but not what it actually feels like. Now, a new startup called HaptX is aiming to change that by introducing a glove that promises to make your virtual interactions feel real.
HaptX was previously known as AxonVR, but the name was changed due to conflicts with other companies using the same name—like a phone company, a truck manufacturer, and a non-lethal weapon maker. The new name reflects the technology behind it: a system that brings realistic tactile sensations to the virtual world.
The company calls its innovation “real touch,†meaning the glove allows users to feel the shape, texture, and even temperature of virtual objects. You can feel the softness of an object or the resistance of a rock. In fact, the glove prevents your hand from passing through virtual objects, making the experience more lifelike.
At the core of this technology is microfluidics, the study of how liquids move through tiny channels. HaptX’s engineers, including CEO Jake Rubin and co-founder Dr. Robert Crockett, spent years researching this at Caltech. This led to the development of HaptX Smart Textiles—gloves embedded with hundreds of tiny air pockets that expand when you touch a virtual object, mimicking the sensation of real physical contact.
“These are like tiny tactile pixels,†Rubin explained. “By adjusting their pressure, we can create any feeling on your skin.†He compared it to a visual display, where each pixel changes to form an image. On the gloves, the fingertips have dense, small pixels for maximum sensitivity, while the palm has larger ones for less detailed feedback.
The glove’s precision is impressive. It can detect movements as small as 2mm, far surpassing other VR gloves that use vibrations, electric shocks, or resistance motors. According to Rubin, none of these alternatives match the accuracy and dexterity of HaptX.
During my first test, the prototype felt awkward. The glove was too big for my hand, and I had to adjust it before it worked properly. It was made of mesh fabric and connected to a bulky box that controlled the air flow. Though uncomfortable, the tactile feedback was remarkable—feeling raindrops, grass, and even a spider crawling on my hand was surreal.
Despite the challenges, the experience was eye-opening. The gloves still need refinement, especially in terms of size and portability. Rubin mentioned that future versions will be lighter and more compact, and the company is also working on a version without temperature control to speed up the release.
Rubin isn’t targeting gamers just yet. Instead, he’s focusing on commercial applications like medical training, military simulations, and industrial design. These fields require high fidelity and precision, which HaptX excels at. He also envisions the technology being used in theme parks and remote-controlled robotics.
Looking ahead, Rubin plans to release the first consumer version next year. While the price may start high, he expects it to drop quickly over the next few years. “In a few years, it should be affordable enough for everyone to own,†he said.
Interestingly, Rubin believes HaptX technology could eventually extend beyond gloves. Combined with exoskeletons and motion systems, it could one day create a full-body immersive experience, making you feel like a hologram in a virtual world.
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