Japanese startup wants to bring real physical pain to the metaverse

As the trend of purchasing virtual land and immersing oneself in the metaverse gains traction, a Japanese startup is taking a unique approach by attempting to introduce physical pain to the virtual realm, aiming to blur the boundaries between the real world and the metaverse.

Backed by Sony, the Japanese startup H2L Technologies is developing a wearable device designed to administer tiny electric shocks to users, enhancing the sense of connection between the metaverse and the real world, particularly in terms of actual thoughts and feelings.

While Meta researchers previously introduced the concept of a wearable glove with haptic feedback to enhance virtual experiences, H2L is taking this idea a step further by incorporating a more intense and potentially painful experience. Emi Tamaki of H2L explained to the Financial Times that the sensation of pain could serve to bridge the gap between the metaverse and the real world.

SPACE, BODY, WANTS TO AVOID THE TIME LIMIT

Emi Tamaki has ambitious aspirations, aiming to liberate humanity from the limitations of space, the physical body, and time within the next decade. Tamaki shared that the inspiration for the tactile wearable device stemmed from a near-death experience in her youth due to congenital heart disease.

In contrast to critics who argue that the Metaverse may divert users from the real world, Tamaki believes that her invention can enhance the connection to the outdoors, particularly for individuals facing physical limitations or mobility challenges due to illness.

The sensitivity of the wearable device developed by H2L is noteworthy, capable of replicating a wide range of tactile sensations, from the feeling of catching a ball to simulating the pinch of a bird on the wearer’s skin.

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