The Japanese firm Ohtani Design Laboratory has recently revealed the debut of their “V-Nade!” initiative, enabling enthusiasts to engage with their beloved VTubers in a more “intimate” fashion – through head petting. This venture was presented as part of Teno-Verse, an interactive entertainment framework that employs hand-tracking technology.
Ohtani Design Laboratory notes that the “V-Nade!” mechanism doesn’t call for specialized accessories such as controllers, gloves, or touch panels. By simply positioning your hand above the sensor and executing “stroking motions” in the air, the hand rendered on the display will follow suit, displaying petting animations that align with your movements.
It’s reported that the system facilitates “two-way communication,” allowing the VTuber on screen to observe where and how you’re petting them during exclusive one-on-one meet-and-greet occasions.
The technology isn’t confined to 2D or 3D VTuber personas alone; it can also be applied to anime and game character illustrations, accompanied by pre-set voice lines. The creators anticipate Teno-Verse’s “V-Nade!” feature to find use in contexts like VTuber, anime, and gaming conventions, promotional activities, themed cafes, exhibitions, and amusement parks.
As VTubing culture gains momentum, numerous Japanese enterprises are seizing the chance to narrow the divide between the physical and digital realms, catering to fans who crave more ‘personal’ exchanges with their favorite talents. Not long ago, Japanese tech firm Docomo introduced their Feel Tech innovation, which enhances the “immersive” quality of VTuber concerts and gatherings. By pairing a spherical haptic device with a VTuber’s show, the tech enables users to feel tactile sensations directly from their virtual idols.
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