Open-source 3D printed VR gloves for only $22

Lucas VRTech is a young YouTuber who made a pair of 3D printed VR gloves VR for just $22. Called LucidVR, the gloves are completely open-source and were dreamed up during lockdown – Lucas just wanted to keep himself busy and had no idea his project would grow to such a scale. Today, more than 200,000 people are following the project and the student intends to pass on his love for virtual reality by showing that it can be accessible if you have the right tools.

The project was born from Lucas’ desire to reduce the cost of haptic VR gloves. These accessories allow people to use their hands in a completely realistic way in virtual reality, such as really being able to feel the seized object or the touch of a surface, etc. The immersion is total. The problem is the accessibility to this technology as it can only be bought at relatively high prices. This is where the YouTuber Lucas VRTech comes in. He explains on his site, “Currently, most VR Haptic Glove products out there are extremely expensive and are targeted for commercial use. In starting this project, I wanted to create a budget, but still well-functioning VR Haptic Glove that’s cheap and easy for people to get their hands on.”

LucidVR’s different prototypes (photo credits: Lucas VRTech)

3D printing played a key role in the development of LucidVR gloves

He turned to FDM 3D printing to design a first prototype and test his ideas. Currently, the LucidVR gloves are in their third iteration. At the moment, they allow the wearer to follow their fingers without the need for dedicated VR controllers; Lucas intends to add haptic feedback later. But what’s particularly interesting about this project is the cost of manufacturing: Lucas claims that it cost him just $11 to produce one glove, which includes the expense of the filament used and the necessary components. Of course, you’ll need a desktop machine – however there are many affordable models available.

The project is entirely open-source: the YouTuber has published all the manufacturing instructions as well as the different STL files to print. You will find the list of parts you need to buy; for example, you will need 5 tensioners per hand. This is a type of resistor that will allow you to measure the traction of the strings that make your fingers move. Each glove also requires an Arduino, and thus several 3D printed parts. There are six types of parts to print, such as tensioners or caps. Lucas explains that any FDM machine should be able to print the components and recommends a nozzle diameter of 0.4 mm. He even gives the orientation of the parts on the plate to optimize the process.

Printing instructions are online (photo credits: Lucas VRTech)

The gloves would be compatible with PCVR headsets via SteamVR. Lucas explains that he has also tested them on the Oculus Rift CV1. In any case, he is already working on his fourth prototype: the idea would be to eventually add this haptic feedback and be able to really feel what you touch, what you grasp, etc. In any case, we wish him good luck in this technological project! You can find all the manufacturing and printing instructions HERE.

What do you think of these 3D printed VR gloves ? Let us know in a comment below or on our Linkedin, Facebook and Twitter pages! Sign up for our free weekly Newsletter here, the latest 3D printing news straight to your inbox! You can also find all our videos on our YouTube channel.