Datasheets
BeBop Sensors Forte Glove
Forte Data Glove
Product Overview
The Forte Data Glove is a high-performance AR/VR glove with haptic
feedback that can communicate over USB or Bluetooth.
The Enterprise Edition has been designed to help partners quickly
roll out glove interaction and training solutions to meet their unique
needs across various industries and use cases.
BeBop’s robust SDK, documentation and API means that developers
can start building and rolling out immersive and interactive
applications that take advantage of the full-feature set of the glove.
About BeBop
BeBop Sensors makes smart fabric sensing platforms to help people
communicate with technology in innovative ways. We create
intuitive, flexible interfaces between humans and machines.
Founded in 2014 by Keith McMillen, a 35-year veteran of the
creative tech industry, we’re a passionate, diverse team of 25
inventors, engineers and textiles experts changing the way people
interact with their technology.
See our Engadget review from CES 2019:
I/O Overview
Sensors
Finger Tracking:
The Forte Data Glove uses Bebop Sensors’ patented fabric sensing
technology platform for high resolution finger tracking across all
fingers and the thumb. Our flexible fabric is less than 1mm thick and
can measure bend resolution and accuracy at +/- 1.5 degrees.
IMU:
Integrated into the glove is an intelligent 14-bit IMU that combines
a gyroscope, accelerometer and magnetic sensor to provide 9
degrees-of-freedom orientation tracking in real time.
Communication Bi-Directional Serial and Bluetooth Data Transmission:
The data glove can be opened across platforms as a class-compliant
serial device via Bluetooth and USB for bi-directional
communication. Our on-board CPU elegantly synthesizes, processes
and handles the transmission of all the sensor data from the IMU
and fabric sensors, and haptic actuators at 200 frames per second
for near-instantaneous response.
Communication
Bi-Directional Serial and Bluetooth Data Transmission:
The data glove can be opened across platforms as a class-compliant
serial device via Bluetooth and USB for bi-directional
communication. Our on-board CPU elegantly synthesizes, processes
and handles the transmission of all the sensor data from the IMU
and fabric sensors, and haptic actuators at 200 frames per second
for near-instantaneous response.
Immersion and Feedback
Haptic Feedback:
The glove has 6 custom non-resonant actuators, in the fingertips
and palm, that give developers and interaction designers
unprecedented control over the tactile response and feedback of
the glove. The actuators have a 4+ octave response and can be
triggered individually or together at different velocities to convey
rich, realistic textures and unique physical sensations
Application Support SDK and Utilities:
Powering the glove is a robust Unity SDK to help you get the most
out of the glove. We’re also shipping with time-saving utilities and
scripts to simplify calibration, 3D-tracking, rigging, haptic playback
and communication with the glove.
Technical Specs:
CPU
ARM Cortex-M4 32-Bit High Performance MCU
Communication
USB 2.0 and Bluetooth and BLE 5 (up to 20 meters)
Tracking
Finger tracking: Analogue smart fabric sensors on all fingers, 10 total
Orientation Sensor: 9-degree IMU (Inertial Measurement Units) module,
equipped with 14-bit accelerometer, high performance magnetometer,
and advanced 16-bit triaxial gyroscope
Sensor Performance
Sample rate: 200 Hz sample rate
Latency: 150 frames per second data rate, <6 ms
Bend accuracy and repeatability: +/- 1.5 degrees
Haptics
6 non-resonant audio rate actuators (1 per finger and palm)
4+ Octave frequency response from 100 Hz to 2000 Hz.
Physical Characteristics
Size: One size fits most (min-max hand length: 170-200mm; min-max
hand width: 80-100mm)
Weight: 3.65 oz
Color: Black
Textile Information: Neoprene, nylon and spandex
Power (wired and wireless)
USB-powered: USB-C connector
Battery: Built-in rechargeable Lithium Polymer Battery
Battery Duration: 6 – 8 Hours (depending on use)
Charging: 2 hours, over USB
Application Support
Platform support: Android, Windows, Linux, and (limited) Mac
Supported Languages: Python, C++, and Java
Development support: Unity SDK, Unreal SDK, Python SDK, Data Glove
API, built-in utilities for calibration, pose and gesture recognition, collision
detection, haptic control and bi-directional communication
Documentation
Quickstart guide, full documentation for Unity SDK, API, with demo scene,
haptics examples and tutorials.
Demos
The glove ships with five micro-experiences to showcase the glove’s
unique features