It’s pretty impressive how both augmented and virtual reality can look so realistic these days, largely because of developments in technology and the way we create content. While our eyes—and sometimes our ears—might be easily tricked, convincing our hands is another story. Especially when you’re reaching for a non-existent object that looks like it should be in your hand but is really just a stick with buttons.
VR controllers haven’t quite reached the point where they feel like our real hands, or at least got our brains to fully abandon the suspension of disbelief. But that doesn’t mean we can’t make do with a few temporary solutions until we get there. Take this unusual metal rod, for example—it’s a unique solution that tries to restore some aspects of that sensory experience, making us feel like we’re truly holding the right tool for the job.
Designer: Minkyu Oh
Traditionally, VR and AR systems have leaned into using stick-like controllers, which are, you know, kinda like the Wiimote, mainly for efficiency. They’re a familiar form factor, like gamepads, but split in a way that frees our hands for more natural movement. But let’s be real—there’s nothing really natural about grabbing a virtual object that looks like the real deal just to press a button. Some eXtended reality platforms can recognize our hand motions without needing controllers, but they can feel equally unnatural since we’re reaching for thin air.
There will be moments when our brains will expect us to graps something tangible, especially if the virtual representation involves handling a tool. Instead of just a short stick, the Cogito concept features a shape-shifting rod. Made of multiple segments, this rod bends and twists to mirror the form of the object we need, or at least something close to it.
If we just need to swing a sword or maybe a tennis racket, one of these Cogito rods should be enought to trick our minds into believing we’re holding the real thing. But if it’s for a gun or a steering wheel, you’d have to join two rods together, bending one or both to shape into what you want. This longer, two-piece controller can even mimic a virtual guitar; though let’s be real, it’s still a step up from pretending to play air guitar.
Of course, the Cogito still includes buttons, placed discreetly in the middle for actual commands like pulling a gun trigger or pressing a fret on a guitar. But it doesn’t translate well for all real-world actions. Sadly, it also doesn’t completely tackle the need for authentic haptic feedback or make grasping virtual stuff feel instinctive. That said, it does manage to provide enough believability to trick our brains, at least until the ultimate VR input solution gets developed.
