Do you remember the Virtuix Omni? I’ll always remember trying out an early version of the virtual reality treadmill many years ago at an E3 event. The system, with its concave platform and slippery shoes, had a significant influence on the depiction of virtual reality in Ready Player One. After a long wait, the electronics-free system finally started shipping earlier this year.
It’s clear that VR is inspiring many creative solutions to various technological challenges. Movement is a major issue to address, as the experience can feel less immersive when your first-person view avatar is exploring while you are stationary on the couch.
For the time being, all solutions are expected to have some drawbacks. In the case of the Omni, the price is a significant concern, and this will likely apply to many similar peripherals. Other issues include its size (it’s quite large) and noise level (it’s very loud).
HoloTile, which recently made its YouTube debut in a video honoring Disney Research fellow Lanny Smoot, presents a clever and elegant solution to some of these challenges.
The system consists of numerous small, circular “tiles” approximately the size of a silver dollar, each serving as a mini omnidirectional treadmill. Working together, these tiles are tasked with keeping the walker within the designated area.
“I can walk on this omnidirectional floor in any direction I want,” Smoot mentioned in the video. “It will automatically adjust to keep me on the floor. What’s truly amazing is that multiple people can use it independently. They can walk in virtual reality and do so much more.”
The ability to support multiple users is perhaps the most impressive feature of this system. However, several questions remain unanswered, including the top speed (Smoot is seen moving very slowly in the video) and the weight capacity of the tiles. It’s important to note that the HoloTile seems to be primarily a research project at the moment.
Furthermore, it is assumed that a system like this, in its current form, would be too costly for home use. If it does become available to the public, it is likely to be as part of a Disney Parks VR experience.
