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Author: VANAS

Bringing Touch to Virtual Reality and Animation

Table of Contents

• What is the Emerge Wave-1?
• How Does the Technology Work?
• Why Touch Matters in Virtual Reality
• Partnerships with Sony and Disney
• How Emerge is Transforming Communication
• Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Emerge Wave-1?

Imagine being able to feel a virtual high-five, shake hands with a friend miles away, or play a game of catch—all without leaving your room. This is the future that Sly Spencer-Lee and Isaac Castro García are building with the Emerge Wave-1.

The Emerge Wave-1 is a tabletop device about the size of a closed laptop, designed to simulate touch in virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) experiences. With this innovative device, users can interact with virtual objects and even feel the emotions behind a touch.

Their goal is clear: to make virtual interactions more meaningful and emotionally rich. As Spencer-Lee puts it, “The deepest level of human communication that you can have is that which has a strong emotional connection.”

How Does the Technology Work?

The magic behind the Emerge Wave-1 lies in ultrasonic waves and haptic technology. When users place their hands over the device, ultrasonic waves simulate the sensation of touch, translating virtual objects seen in a VR headset or on a paired screen into something you can feel.

What makes this technology even more groundbreaking is its integration with artificial intelligence (AI). Generative AI models power the device, learning to understand human emotions and translating those feelings into tactile feedback.

Castro García explains, “When we started Emerge, we wanted to build something that will be natural and intuitive, so the user won’t have to worry about how to control it.” The result? A seamless experience where users feel connected to virtual worlds like never before.

Why Touch Matters in Virtual Reality

Think about the way a handshake or a hug makes you feel. These simple gestures carry emotional weight and help us bond with others. Now, imagine adding that layer of connection to virtual reality.

Touch in VR isn't just about cool tech—it's about creating deeper human connections. Whether it’s playing a virtual game with friends or sharing a moment with family across the globe, tactile experiences can help us feel closer to the people we care about, even when we’re apart.

As Sony’s vice president Nick Colsey notes, “Adding a tactile layer to virtual communication can not only help us feel closer across distance, but also open new possibilities for shared experiences from afar.”

Partnerships with Sony and Disney

Emerge’s vision has already caught the attention of major players like Sony and Disney, who are embracing this tactile revolution.

With Sony, the Emerge Wave-1 is being integrated into their Smart TVs, enabling users to experience touch during onscreen calls—no VR headset required. Imagine video calling your grandparents and tossing a virtual ball back and forth. It’s no longer just about seeing and hearing; now you can feel.

Disney has also partnered with Emerge, bringing touch technology to their beloved franchises. From feeling the magic of a Disney character to engaging with immersive storytelling, Emerge is redefining how we experience entertainment.

How Emerge is Transforming Communication

Emerge isn’t just about games or movies; it’s about creating meaningful connections. For people separated by distance, touch adds an emotional layer that words or video can’t fully capture.

The company’s founders emphasize that they’re not trying to replace in-person interactions. Instead, they’re offering a better way to connect when being physically present isn’t possible. Spencer-Lee says, “We want to offer better sensory experience when physical presence is not possible so we can enhance connections.”

This technology has the potential to revolutionize how we communicate, from business meetings to family gatherings, all while enhancing the creativity and storytelling possibilities in Animation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main function of the Emerge Wave-1?

• The Emerge Wave-1 allows users to feel virtual objects and touch in VR or AR experiences, creating more meaningful interactions.

What kind of technology powers the Emerge Wave-1?

• The device uses ultrasonic waves and haptic feedback, combined with AI models trained to understand human emotions.

Do I need a VR headset to use it?

• No, the Wave-1 also works with paired screens like Sony Smart TVs for tactile interactions without a VR headset.

Which companies are partnering with Emerge?

• Sony and Disney are among the major companies partnering with Emerge to bring touch technology to their products.

How is this relevant to Animation?

• By adding touch to VR and AR, Emerge opens up new possibilities for storytelling and immersive experiences, transforming the world of Animation.

The future of Animation, VR, and AR is here, and it’s all about touch. With devices like the Emerge Wave-1, we’re not just watching or hearing—we’re feeling.

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