Nothing virtual about hard work behind John and Nikita’s VR glove

Coláiste Mhuire students John Bernard Basanes and Nikita Bickovs, mentored by teacher Eva Acton, set themselves the task of creating a virtual reality (VR) glove, which they describe as a DIY, budget-friendly alternative to expensive controllers. A benefit to their invention is that it will enhance accessibility and immersive experiences in virtual reality for everyone – important, John says, at a time when tech giants like Apple and Meta are investing billions into VR and augmented reality, competing to shape how we interact with the digital world.

Current VR gloves are expensive, often costing thousands of euro, says John: “This high cost creates barriers for schools and individuals who could greatly benefit from the technology. Our globe aims to bridge this gap by offering a low cost alternative.”

John says that VR has transformative potential in education, therapy, and training, but a concern he and his teammate share is that not everyone will be able to benefit from cutting-edge technology if cost is such a factor: “The digital divide is a growing concern in today’s world, where advanced technologies are increasingly out of reach for underfunded institutions and communities,” they say.

“By making our VR glove affordable, we are addressing this disparity and ensuring that more people can benefit from immersive VR experiences, regardless of their financial situation.”

The glove developed by John and Nikita uses 3D-printed components, micro-server motors, and an ESP32 microcontroller to simulate the feeling of touch in virtual environments.

Open-source software ensures compatibility with popular VR platforms like SteamVR.

“Our project demonstrates that immersive VR technology does not have to be exclusive. By making it affordable, we’re opening the door for broader access to innovative applications in education, therapy, and beyond,” says John.