AR/MR/VRThe Frontier of Haptics and Human Embodiment with Ivan Isakov
00:36:10
In this episode of the Amata World Podcast , hosts Ana and Bryan dive into the cutting-edge frontier of spatial computing and haptic technology with Ivan Isakov, the CEO and co-founder of Valkyrie Industries. Ivan has a PhD in Nanoelectronics from UCL, 14-years' experience in research, electronics, haptics and XR (24 academic papers, patents, commercial VR titles), as well he is an XR consultant, community builder, creative coder and international speaker.
The conversation explores how Valkyrie Industries tackled the fundamental challenge of replicating "weight" and resistance in virtual reality using Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) and Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES). Ivan details their exciting transition into healthcare, highlighting their v-health platform and clinical work focused on neuro-rehabilitation for stroke survivors. The episode concludes with a fascinating look into how wearable "eir bands" are breaking down boundaries by shifting intensive physical therapy from the clinic straight into patients' homes.
Key Takeaways:
- Pioneering Muscle Haptics: Valkyrie Industries leverages targeted Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) to trigger muscle contractions from the outside, recreating realistic physical resistance, impact, and weight within digital environments.
- Gamifying Neuro-Rehabilitation: By syncing wireless EMS wearables with immersive VR experiences (the v-health platform), the technology actively stimulates weak motor pathways, making the repetitive, intensive movements required for stroke recovery engaging and measurable.
- Decentralising Upper-Limb Therapy: Instead of relying entirely on massive, expensive clinical robotics, the company's "eir bands" allow patients to independently conduct vital daily therapy in the community or from home.
- Active vs. Passive Touch: While basic vibration haptics are commonplace, creating true force feedback sits at a highly complex engineering crossroads between high-end medical devices and consumer tech.
Links to connect to Ivan:
Website: ivascht.com
LinkedIn: @Ivan Isakov
Instagram: @ivascht
Links to connect to Valkyrie Industries:
Website: https://www.valkyrie-vr.com/
Code for 15% discount: "EIR15"
Meta Quest App: "EIR Training"
LinkedIn: @Valkyrie Industries
Instagram: @valkyrie.industries
Bonus Deep-Dive Links (External Interviews & Features):
Audio Podcast Feature: Listen to Ivan Isakov's deep dive on advanced touch receptors on the Internet of Senses Podcast (Touch Feature).
Video Interview: Watch Ivan discuss human-computer interaction and motion tracking architectures with Yulia Sion on YouTube.
Clinical Insights: Read the full medical philosophy breakdown with Advanced Neuro-Physiotherapist Lucy Redman on the Valkyrie Neuro-Rehab Blog.
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