A new development over at Disney Research unveils a new kind of experience to bring one's bodily movements to VR, and this is with the so-called "HoloTile" which addresses mobility integrations. One of the massive features of the HoloTile is it is omnidirectional, offering a massive range of possible actions to be done, expanding more of the experiences in virtual platforms.
Disney HoloTile is Here, Offering an Omnidirectional Treadmill Floor
Launched by Disney Research subtly as it commemorates the career of Disney Imagineer, Lanny Smoot, the company unveils its take on a treadmill floor for immersive VR experiences, calling it the "HoloTile." This new treadmill floor offers omnidirectional flooring which allows a person to move freely without any restraints or straps to keep them in place, unlike what others offer.
The tiles are reminiscent of hexagonal pieces, and when put together, resemble a honeycomb look spread out on the floor to offer mobility features.
Disney said that Smoot is responsible for the development of the HoloTile, citing that it opens up a revolutionary experience for multiple users to enjoy. It is a modular and expandable flooring that makes endless mobility possibilities possible.
Expanding More of the VR Experience with Disney's HoloTile
The Disney HoloTile is not yet available, as it is still under development by the entertainment company and Smoot, but its concept and prototype offer a promising experience in the future of virtual reality. However, it remains unknown what Disney would offer with the HoloTile, but it may appear in future attractions on Disney Parks, among other applications.
With Smoot's massive work on many Disney experiences which made the "magic" of the company possible for the audience, the company celebrates his career as he is getting inducted to the National Inventors Hall of Fame. He is the second individual from the Walt Disney Company to be inducted, next to the founder himself, Walt Disney.
VR Integrations: Improved Experiences for Users
Amidst the peak of the pandemic era in 2020, a startup company called Virtuix introduced a new experience for all to enjoy virtual reality platforms that help immerse users in their chosen content. This is through the Omni One Treadmill, best known to be an omnidirectional machine for at-home enjoyment, locking the person in place with a harness strapped on one's back.
This product was launched earlier in March 2023, offering the at-home solution for immersing one's self in massive VR games or experiences.
A company called "Teslasuit" launched its version of a full-body haptic feedback suit at CES 2020 which delivers a more immersive experience that will let users feel the conditions inside the VR, with precise touch and 3D tracking.
These products help make immersive experiences come to life, often compared to Steven Spielberg's 2019 film, Ready Player One which shows the immersive VR package of headsets, treadmills, and body suits. Still, Disney's latest revelation of the HoloTile offers an improvement on treadmill floors for VR needs, offering a liberating experience for those looking to venture into the virtual worlds available.
