Shaoyu Cai

ThermOuch

ThermOuch is a wearable thermo-haptic device that uses the thermal grill illusion to induce pain-like sensations in virtual reality without causing physical harm. By combining warm and cold thermal stimuli, the system creates an illusory nociceptive sensation that can support more expressive and immersive VR experiences.

The project contributes a wearable interaction technique for rendering uncomfortable or warning sensations in VR, opening possibilities for training, simulation, accessibility research, and affective immersive experiences.

ThermOuch wearable thermo-haptic device
ThermOuch demonstration
ThermOuch demonstration

Publication

Haichen Gao, Shaoyu Cai, Yuhong Wu, and Kening Zhu. "ThermOuch: A Wearable Thermo-Haptic Device for Inducing Pain Sensation in Virtual Reality through Thermal Grill Illusion." SIGGRAPH Asia 2024 Conference Papers, pp. 1-12. 2024.