Feel the Burn! Sensory Illusions for Podiatric Wearables | McGill Shared Reality Lab

This project aimed to enhance virtual reality (VR) immersion by simulating thermal sensations on the foot using thermoelectric modules (TEMs). The system leveraged the thermal grill illusion, where alternating hot and cold sensations produce a “burning” effect.

Key Contributions:

• Hardware Design: Developed a podiatric wearable with:
  • A central control box (Teensy 3.5 microcontroller) managing power and control loops.
  • Dual temperature control modules (TCMs) equipped with TEMs, sensors, fans, and heat sinks.
• Validation: Conducted pilot tests on lab members, demonstrating the effectiveness of thermal grill and other modes.
• Future Work: Plans to enhance power delivery, portability, and explore the influence of visual cues on thermal perception in VR.

This wearable demonstrates the potential for using temperature-based illusions to enrich sensory experiences in VR and beyond.