When virtual reality (VR) first gained mass appeal, immersive headsets were the first pieces of tech needed to create the illusion of being in a virtual world. Next came motion sensing controllers and eventually a walking platform was developed to further sell the virtual illusion. A Redmond-based company is also adding its contribution to the VR hardware tech scene and it recently raised new money to commercialize its product.
HaptX develops and manufactures high-tech gloves that are designed to give tactile feedback and are used for VR gaming and the robotics industry. On Thursday, the company announced it raised $23 million in a round co-led by AIS Global and Crescent Cove Advisors. Verizon Ventures also participated.
Total venture funding for the company now stands at $58 million since its launch in 2012, including a $12 million raise in 2019.
HaptX’s gloves are laden with tiny actuators that produce a slight vibration on the skin when activated. Working in tandem, the actuators can mimic touch. In a VR setting, the gloves can mimic actions occurring in a game or virtual world. In the robotics industry, the gloves can be used for a bevy of reasons including more accurate control when operating a robot, according to the company.
“We are proud to have the commitment of partners like AIS Global and Crescent Cove fueling our efforts to build haptics so lifelike that users can’t distinguish between the virtual and the real,” Jake Rubin, founder and CEO of HaptX, said in a statement. “This funding will enable HaptX to build on the success of HaptX Gloves DK2 with exciting new products that will redefine virtual and robotic interactions.”
HaptX launched its VR glove back in 2017 and has closed several funding rounds. The company even got Amazon Executive Chairman Jeff Bezos to test the glove. With its new funding, the company will work on commercializing its technology.
