[NEW] Disney announces Holo Tile, a mat-type VR walking device

The Walt Disney Company (hereafter, Disney) has announced a VR walking device called "Holo Tile." It is a mysterious floor that you walk on but do not move from the spot. This allows users to share the VR space without colliding with others and walk freely in any direction. It is attracting attention as a way to realize a immersive virtual reality and augmented reality experience.

This holotile is called the world's first multi-person omnidirectional treadmill ground, which allows any person or object to move in a virtual space. The hexagonal floor is covered with button-sized components on the surface. It seems that you can switch between flat surfaces or sides and experience the sensation of walking.

The holotile was developed by Lanny Smoot, a Disney researcher at Walt Disney Imagineering Research & Development.

He has achieved many accomplishments at Walt Disney for 30 years and has been inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame.

The holotile was developed for virtual reality and augmented reality games and experiences. When users play games in a virtual space, the floor, which has a function called a treadmill, moves the user, making them feel as if they are really walking, running, or moving through the space.

The floor is never still, but constantly moving, so you can walk freely in any direction you like without colliding with the surface of the floor or leaving the floor. Apart from VR and AR uses, Disney's holotiles can also be installed on theater stages, so there are many uses, such as allowing performers to dance and move in creative ways. They can also move stage props and structures on their own, or suddenly appear on stage depending on the situation.

A video has also been released in which Lanny Smoot explains how the holotile works. When he sits on the chair, it feels like he is riding Aladdin's magic carpet, and a staff member can be seen raising his hand to control Smoot's movement.

While this groundbreaking invention encourages creative uses in the industry, the project is still unclear on the specific release date and whether it will be commercialized for VR and AR gamers.

"Imagine several people in the same room, somewhere else, moving around, watching, sightseeing together. Imagine a theater stage with holotiles embedded in it so dancers can perform amazing movements. There are so many uses for this kind of technology. I can't imagine where it will be used, in a good way," said Smoot.

In the near future, it may be possible to enjoy Disneyland parades and attractions at home or a nearby theater.

Reference:THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY
Image: THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY, Shutterstock

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