We’re still a long way from the holodeck dream that Star Trek gave us so many years ago but we are getting closer to the idea of an immersive virtual reality experience. With the Oculus Rift VR headset and a Virtual Omni VR Treadmill you can get a taste of it.
Check the video below to see the closest we are able to get to a virtual reality Team Fortress 2 experience.
That weird thing he (she?) is running on is called the Virtual Omni VR Treadmill and it allows you to run in any direction while staying absolutely still.
However it’s even more impressive than that, take a look at this video of the early prototype and you can see not only can it do multiple directions and speeds but it can also sense jumping, leaning and strafing.
Granted it makes a bit of a noise but I’m hoping they’ll sort that out.
The creators of this gizmo are planning on holding a – of course – Kickstarter campaign in the near future and if all goes to plan you’ll be able to own your own omni treadmill and headset for between R4000 and R6000… which is a lot but I could see these things popping up in malls and arcades at that price.
Last Updated: April 24, 2013
umar bastra
April 24, 2013 at 12:35
The most hectic thing I have seen is still mirror’s edge on Rift. I think that game might make make you throw up through your nose.
Imagine playing Amnesia on the Rift though!!
Skoobaz
April 24, 2013 at 12:49
Here, take my cash!!
Sir Rants-a-Lot Llew
April 24, 2013 at 12:51
That looks like too much excercise
Rincethis: Spellalicious
April 24, 2013 at 12:54
How the hell does that work? 0_O
matthurstrsa
April 24, 2013 at 13:04
I would pick one of these rigs up. Dream come true.
Admiral Chief Erwin
April 24, 2013 at 13:10
Recipe for falling your tits off
Johan du Preez
April 24, 2013 at 13:20
damn but the dude needs a new pc that thing is lagging like mad.