Virtual reality has always been a game-changer in the virtual world, allowing human beings to experience reality through a device. Although the concept may seem futuristic, its origin is not as fresh as you might think. Back in the 1990s, the biggest barrier in the road to achieving a premium virtual experience was slow-moving and fuzzy images that abstained users from encountering a real-life experience. The developers have come a long way, changing the performing VR devices and allowing users to have a more detailed experience with 3-D sound and impressive visuals. Despite creating an unbelievably captivating experience, VR somewhere failed to convince human beings in a way they could have.
Touch is a predominant sense that connects human beings to the outer world. The feeling of touch is exactly what forms the key part in creating interaction between human beings and the world. And, virtual reality devices lack in providing this vital key. And, this is exactly where Holotron comes into play. As stated by Marcel Reese in an interview, Holotron is the lower-body robot exoskeleton that can be directed by users.
Unique concept
Mr. Marcel Reese is the mastermind who presented the unique concept of creating the Holotron (a Germany VR exoskeleton project). The fact that VR devices were just a single step away from providing a real-life experience to the world disappointed Reese to a great extent. This thought intrigued a sense of dissatisfaction in his mind, the result of which was the creation of Holotron. He tried to bridge the gap between the virtual world and actual life by creating a man-machine interface where users can command the avatar by doing things he would normally do.
Amount of force
Reese explained the working principle of the Holotron in a way that looks somewhat like this- the exoskeleton of the Holotron functions by a force-feedback mechanism. In this mechanism, the robot measures the amount of force exerted by the user and sends the signal to a computer where the robot recreates the same amount of force with the help of virtual muscles. The robot will calculate its movements through the physical limitations of the virtual world. For example, if the user directs a kick towards a ball, the robot exosuit will calculate the amount of force exerted and use it to kick a ball and move it. If the same amount of force is exerted on a rock, the rock will not move, and the avatar could restrict the leg movement of the user. The only challenge remaining is the capability to allow users to walk without being stopped by the real-life, physical environment the user is in.
However, the maximum a Holotron can do to provide a moving experience to users is through an approach that involves an even larger robot, known as the motion simulator. With this device, users can remain stationary while the Holotron set up provides the movement and suspension of the exoskeleton, making the user feel like they are moving.
Too early
Reese also mentioned that it is too early to consider commercializing the Holotron project. The ambitions are just getting started and a lot of details are yet to be added to the project. The add-on includes the sense of taste and smell, and thermal displays as well. This version of the Holotron is just a trailer of what the reality could look like and it is worth the wait.
