There is no doubt in the fact that virtual Reality is going to transform the way we communicate experiences. One of the key aspects which would be influenced is the full body immersion experience.
In this regard, multiple projects have surfaced up to the scene. One of the emerging ones is – Immotionar which aims to make virtual reality as similar to reality as possible. Techtyche was able to get in touch with their awesome team and get an interesting insight about this innovative project.
So, without further ado – let’s get to it.
Q: What global problem are you trying to solve through Virtual Reality?
A: Immotionar is an Italian startup, located in Turin, whose purpose is to make virtual reality as close to “real reality” as possible. To do this, we’re focusing on a specific part of it: letting the user immerse him/herself in the virtual world with all his/her body. Most popular VR setups nowadays let the user see and use only his/her hands and head (so eyes and ears) in VR, but we want him to be able to use all parts of his/her body. This means that he/she can also kick objects, dance and even walk in a super natural way.
Q: Why do you think that full body VR is so important?
A: We believe that full body immersion experience is important because of the following reasons.
- It increases the sense of presence a lot and is closely related to real life scenarios
- It lets you use all parts of your body, like in everyday life.
- It allows you to walk nausea free. This way you avoid cybersickness which is one of the main problems of currently operating Virtual Reality systems
Through full body immersion experience, we want to make everyone feel that he/she is in a virtual world completely.
Q: What exactly is your innovation?
A: Our innovation relies on the fact that we mix off-the-shelf hardware, like Microsoft Kinect, with virtual reality headsets. Since Microsoft Kinect can detect the user’s body pose, the system can see and use his body inside VR.
Q: Why Microsoft Kinect or similar sensors are the ideal way to obtain full body VR?
A: Because they don’t require the user to wear anything, so it is great for exhibitions – no hygiene issues of suits or gloves. Moreover, it is also suitable for casual gaming as putting on and taking off a whole suit is tiresome.
Other reasons include:
- A single sensor can track multiple people (local multiplayer)
- Being off-the-shelf means that it is affordable, so more people can access this awesome technology. For example, mocap suits can offer the same features, but a Vicon system costs a minimum of $50,000
- It can track full body of the user and not specific parts only
- Reading images gives more information as compared to reading array of points through a suit. This enriches the Virtual Reality Experience
Q: What global change would your innovation bring?
A: We hope that this solution can enable everyone to enjoy a fully enriched virtual reality experience at an affordable price. And since, Kinect can track multiple people, there is a possibility to play in local multiplayer environment. In other words, VR will not only be a technology that isolates people, but also allows them to have fun together.
Full body VR in remote multiplayer environment offers a more natural interaction. And the use of full body can enhance new kind of virtual experiences in arts, sports, acting etc. Enhancing local and remote multiplayer, can make the virtual world an optimal social world, enhancing sociability and creativity.
Furthermore the use in rehabilitation systems can make people with injuries or serious health problems to recover better, while having fun.
Q: Where do you see this technology in next 50 years?
A: In the coming years, VR will be merged with AR, while glasses will be used to experience both the technologies. Glasses in 50 years will be as little as contact lenses or maybe there will just be a set of chips in our brain. This will let us enjoy AR and VR experiences with our whole bodies immersed in specific environments. Interactions with the virtual world will be completely natural and we’ll have all five senses in the virtual world. Devices will read information from the brain and will be able to inject information directly into it. This will be done to create a perfect mix of virtual and real. Everyone could have amazing adventures anytime they want. It is definitely going to be very interesting.
If anyone is interested in what we do, then more information can be found at our website. There you can also download our system for free and try our game Hit Motion!
Techtyche team thanks Immotionar for giving an insight about their innovation, vision and technology. We hope that this can contribute towards a safer, better and prosperous future. If you believe you are working on an innovation or technology that is advancing the human civilization or solving a real life problem then feel free to contact us. We feature emerging technologies and also promote technological setups or projects.
