Master's Thesis: Developing a Hybrid Controller for Multi-Haptic Feedback to Mimic Impulsive Forces in Virtual Reality

HYDRA Controller (first iteration)

13.02.2026, Abschlussarbeiten, Bachelor- und Masterarbeiten

We want to develop a versatile Virtual Reality (VR) controller to create haptic illusions for impulsive force scenarios. For that, an active haptic device is essential. The HYbriD contRoller for multi-hAptic feedback (HYDRA) combines force feedback based on airflow with instantaneous tactile feedback realized through a magnetically accelerated weight. We further experimented on technology to address challenges in the application of brushless motors for force feedback, specifically toroidal propellers in conjunction with options to adjust the motor layout. In the next steps we want to refine the HYDRA concept. This includes measuring real impulsive forces and then specifically recreating them with HYDRA inside of a VR simulation (Unity-based). This will be done based on sports applications. Another aspect we want to refine is the use of specific toroidal propeller designs. At last, HYDRA allows the development of different force feedback layouts. We want to experiment with such layouts to maximize its applicability in VR simulations. Additionally, we want to further include the idea of dynamic, potentially AI-based haptics. You need to be a student at the School of Computation, Information and Technology (CIT), e.g., Computer Science, Games Engineering, Robotics, or others. Having 3D-printing expertise and basic knowledge with electronics is a big plus! There is time to catch up, by having some buffer for preparations and learning before registering the thesis. If you are interested, feel free to contact us via mail: christian.eichhorn@tum.de and jonas.weigand@tum.de

We further experimented on technology to address challenges in the application of brushless motors for force feedback, specifically toroidal propellers in conjunction with options to adjust the motor layout. In the next steps we want to refine the HYDRA concept. This includes measuring real impulsive forces and then specifically recreating them with HYDRA inside of a VR simulation (Unity-based). This will be done based on sports applications. Another aspect we want to refine is the use of specific toroidal propeller designs. At last, HYDRA allows the development of different force feedback layouts. We want to experiment with such layouts to maximize its applicability in VR simulations. Additionally, we want to further include the idea of dynamic, potentially AI-based haptics.

You need to be a student at the School of Computation, Information and Technology (CIT), e.g., Computer Science, Games Engineering, Robotics, or others. Having 3D-printing expertise and basic knowledge with electronics is a big plus! There is time to catch up, by having some buffer for preparations and learning before registering the thesis.

If you are interested, feel free to contact us via mail: christian.eichhorn@tum.de and jonas.weigand@tum.de

Kontakt: Christian Eichhorn: christian.eichhorn@tum.de, Jonas Weigand: jonas.weigand@tum.de

Mehr Information

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Different "Heads" for Sports Applications, (Type: image/png, Größe: 876.4 kB) Datei speichern