Wings of Imagination: Strengthening Avian Embodiment and Flight Immersion in Virtual Reality Through Multisensory Haptic Feedback

This research develops an integrated system using multimodal haptic feedback to enhance users' sense of body ownership when embodying avian avatars in virtual reality. The hardware components include retractable bands to guide limb movements and inflatable cushions to simulate environmental conditions during flight. The system aims to replicate key aspects of avian embodiment through synchronized virtual and physical stimuli. A user study evaluates the potential of this approach to strengthen feelings of ownership over non-human avatars. Results demonstrate moderately positive overall usability, with variable individual responses. Spatial haptics augmented realistic wing simulations for over half of the participants. However, limitations exist regarding personalized interactions and simulating comprehensive tactile sensations. This pioneering work contributes an innovative methodology for prototyping and assessing bodily transformations in virtual environments. It advances avatar embodiment knowledge and underscores the nuanced interplay of multisensory feedback. Further refinements may build empathy and connections with the natural world.