Japanese researchers created a glove that will allow you to feel objects underwater without actually touching them.
Called the IrukaTact, the glove was inspired by the dolphin echolocation, which is referred to as Iruka in Japanese. Echolocation is when dolphins admit high-frequency sounds for navigation and to locate prey.
Essentially, echolocation is the equivalent of using sound to see one's surroundings. The glove works similarly in that it uses sound to sense the ground below and other objects in the water. It then translates those sonar sensors into haptic sensations, like vibration.
Each digit on the glove is equipped with its own pump that, when triggered, will collect surrounding water and pressurize it under each finger. This water collection process creates water jets, which will have different amounts of rhythm and pressure based on the glove's proximity to the object it's attempting to feel from a distance.
An ultrasonic sensor attached to the glove uses sound to detect where the ground is in relation to the wearer. Like dolphins using echolocation, this emittance of sound allows the glove to feel the topographical variations of the ground.
The IrukaTact can help with navigation in flooded environments when it's difficult to see. The closer one is to an object, the greater the sensations delivered by the glove to the wearer.
The glove was developed by researchers from the University of Tsukuba in Japan. A researcher hailing from Tsukuba also aided in the creation of holograms you can touch.
