A Chinese company by the name of KATVR has recently released a product that allows the user to become even more immersed into their Virtual Reality (VR) games. This device allows the user to control the charter’s legs by moving their own. They call this device the KAT WALK.
How Does it Work?
The above video is a bit long, but it gives an amazing overview of this project and the goals for the team. It describes how they designed the surface that the user stands on to try and simulate natural walking and running. They also have had many prototypes that they used for testing that they decided were too obstructing. They finally went with their current design because it allows the user to walk, run, jump, crouch and even sit. All of theses body movements are then transferred into the game to allow for real time control of the character’s body with your own.
The way that they capture the user’s body movements is one of two ways. There first involves the arm that holds the harness. This has sensors that allow them to determine whether you are standing, jumping or crouching. The second involves sensors in the the shoes that you buy with the KAT WALK that sense how your feet are moving. These two in combination make up the body movements that allow you to move your character around.
Where Can You Learn More About The KAT WALK?
You can learn more about them on their website or on their Kickstarter campaign. Their campaign is over but it is still a good source of information. They made almost 1.5 times their $100,000 goal.
Comments and Opinions
This is an amazing leap forward into the future of VR. KAT WALK is an amazing product that will allow users to become fully immersed in their games and other VR programs.
This technology makes me think that the technology in movies like Gamer will be here sooner than we might think. By that I do not mean controlling people but definitely the VR sphere rooms.
This technology make me excited for the future of gaming and for the future of VR.
