Posted on November 18, 2024 by Storm Goodman
MEET THE MAGIC MITTS AT THE FALL 2024 TECH SYMPOSIUM.
NOVEMBER 18, 2024 - As part of her microcomputers course, Rabiat Sadiq, a computer engineering student, developed gloves capable of producing music just by moving a finger. Sadiq was inspired by these new concepts and merged them with her passion for virtual reality technology. The team was formed, and soon after the MagicMitts got to work.
Virtual reality technology, commonly known as VR, is a branch of technology that involves simulating a virtual world for the user through the use of a headset device. The MagicMitts developed their device, the Smart VR Glove, to be compatible with this headset and provide the user with an additional sense of the VR world: the ability to “touch” objects in virtual space.
These revolutionary gloves utilize an electromagnetic braking system designed to apply pressure to each finger as the user interacts with virtual objects. Strings run all along each finger of the glove, and when “contact” occurs, the magnets will lock the string, simulating the feeling of holding a physical object in your hand. Additionally, microcomputer controller vibrators are installed in every fingertip, letting users feel through the way of vibration, the pressure of the object. Feedback sensors have also been installed in all the finger joints, capable of recording and transmitting data back to the digital world. This creates a seamless integration between the gloves and the virtual space, allowing the user to see in real-time their hands through the headset.
“This immersive interaction bridges the gap between the virtual and physical worlds, creating a more natural and engaging VR experience.” - The MagicMitts
Another aspect that sets the MagicMitts’ gloves apart from other companies looking to advance the haptic gloves sector, is their emphasis on affordability and user-friendliness. Currently, quality VR-oriented gloves are priced at around $4,000 and are designed for developers and users with in-depth knowledge and experience. The MagicMitts designed their gloves to not only drastically duck the current market price, but also to create a product that anyone could use. By reducing the complexity required to use VR gloves, without creating any lapses in quality, the team seeks to expand VR’s ability to be used for educational and therapeutic purposes as well. The primary usage for VR technology right now is for gaming and immersive recreational experiences, but with increased availability to older and younger users alike, MagicMitts believes that virtual reality could become so much more than entertainment.
The team consists of Rabiat, serving as the project manager, Blake Novosad, an electrical engineering student operating as the finance manager, John Navarro, an electrical engineer student working as the presentation lead, and Juan Casillas, a computer engineer serving as the team’s resource manager. As the project manager, Rabiat focused on the software development and the user interaction side of the project, ensuring that all the digital aspects of the project were running smoothly, as well as keeping the rest of the team on track throughout the entire process. In addition to his role as the presentation lead, John also served as the hardware lead, tasked with designing and constructing the more physical aspects of the gloves. Blake managed the finances for the team but also focused on designing the gloves’ innovative battery and charging systems. Managing the team’s resources was only one aspect of his job, as Juan was also in charge of coding and ensuring that all of the haptic modules within the gloves were operational. Each team member played an invaluable part in the construction of the gloves, forming the team needed to complete such a revolutionary task as this.
Ever since starting this project in February 2024, the team encountered various problems, as they delved head-first into the development of this brand-new technology. Issues with mechanical aspects, power management, limited resources, and a tight budget required the MagicMitts to adapt and eventually overcome any challenges they encountered. Through their exceptional teamwork and collaboration, they tackled their issues head-on, letting them continue developing the product they set out to create.
“When faced with these challenges, our team collaborated and adapted to each new requirement and refined our approach as we progressed. We found that staying positive and accepting that our project would be difficult at times helped us stay resilient and focused on the end goal.” - The MagicMitts
Going forward, the MagicMitts are working on their final adjustments for the Fall 2024 Tech Symposium, after being previously recognized during the Spring 2024 Tech Symposium. Beyond that, the team is still actively discussing the future of their machine, though there is a shared sentiment that the gloves will not be left behind after graduation. Whether it will remain a hobbyist project or evolve into a startup, based on their drive, skill, and determination, we can be sure that the MagicMitts will have all they need to achieve their dreams.
In response to what advice they would like to give to other engineers, the MagicMitts team had this to say. “Our advice for anyone pursuing engineering is to stay open to learning and embrace collaboration. Engineering is a field where adversity is inevitable, so never be afraid to ask questions or seek guidance. Each challenge you encounter will only strengthen your skills, especially when you approach it with curiosity and resilience. Although engineering has its challenges, we can say that it has also led us into one of the most creative periods of our lives.”
— Storm Goodman
This story is a part of the Makerspace Mondays series.
