HeatSense – Thermal Sensory Supplementation for Superhuman Sports

Abstract

This paper presents a sensory supplementation experience in virtual reality based on the thermal and vibrotactile feedback. We have implemented a physical system that provides hot and cold sensations around the hand and forearm of the person wearing it. After being equipped with the system the user is exposed to the virtual reality environment with the goal to deflect projectiles coming their way while relying on the thermal sensations to detect them. Presented experience makes a case for using thermal sensory supplementation as an interaction modality in virtual reality environments.