If you think virtual-reality rigs are nothing but toys for extreme video-game enthusiasts and the wealthy, you haven’t seen anything yet.
Someone’s done the Steam VR system one better, in terms of allowing users to physically move around in a virtual environment. The Virtuix Omni system is an omni-directional treadmill coupled with waist support that prevents the user from running off the treadmill, no matter which direction they move in. A VR rig and controller complete the package.
In this demonstration, a Virtuix Omni user puts the hardware through its paces, taking a run and a drive through Los Santos in Grand Theft Auto V.
You can pre-order a Virtuix Omni system for $700, but that doesn’t include a VR rig itself like the Oculus Rift, or any kind of controller like the gun being used in the demo. You’re probably looking at over a thousand dollars when all’s said and done to make use of the Virtuix Omni. If you have that kind of money, this would make for one hell of a conversation piece.
Screengrab via Virtuix Omni/YouTube
