As you probably can understand, walking in VR requires walking in the real world as well. There are a few solutions that have been presented to allow this to happen. One is a sort of moving trampoline as seen in movies like Ready Player One...
Another approach is creating VR rollerskates that can accomplish a similar task.
The world of VR will be a wild one with new worlds and landscapes to explore, experiences one could never afford suddenly being possible and even a new potentiality for social dynamic transformation. First dates occurring at virtual cafes. To be prepared for this new reality, former Mythbuster Jamie Hyneman is looking for US$50,000 which will enable him to engineer a prototype pair of roller skates to wear in virtual reality.
Hyneman's pitch video points out that when one straps on goggles and gloves to enter virtual reality, your eyes are occupied and you therefore run the risk of bumping into stuff if you try to walk in meatspace while simulating walking in a virtual world. And bumping into stuff is dangerous.
Although your eyes are seeing one thing the rest of your body including your legs and feet are forced to experience something much different. Without having a real example of this in front of me, I can only partially imagine the need for these pilot rollerskates but theoretically they do seem quite important.
Previous attempts to sort this out have involved harnesses or slippery surfaces, but Hyneman and his collaborators now think “Vortrex Shoes” are a better answer.
Its uncertain whether the 'Vortex Shoes' will be able to solve the problem but as VR continues to improve at a rapidly accelerating rate, best to have the right pair of kicks on hand so we can truly enjoy the ride!
What do you guys think about these prototype VR shoes? Do you think they'll be a hit or fade into obscurity as the technology further comes into fruition?
Thanks for reading!
Source:
Mythbuster seeks cash for roller skates to wear in virtual reality - The Register