Disney Imagineers Develop a Game-Changing 360-Degree Treadmill for the Metaverse
Summary:
Disney's team of Imagineers has developed a 360-degree treadmill prototype, known as the Holotile, that can be controlled through gestures, remote control, or physical movement. This new technology was tested by popular YouTuber Marques Brownlee and shown to allow unrestricted movement in virtual environments, such as a digital version of Disney's Magic Kingdom. The technology could pave the way for a more interactive experience in virtual theme parks, video games, training simulations, and even NFT collecting.
Disney's innovative team, Imagineers, have developed what could be a groundbreaking application for metaverse hardware: a 360-degree treadmill controlled by remote, movement or gestures. Marques Brownlee, a renowned YouTuber and 2022 Ultimate champion known by the professional moniker MKBHD, was the initial non-Disney individual to experiment with this prototype.
Termed the Holotile, this gadget resembles a thick mat comprised of numerous spinning segments organized in a seemingly chaotic geometric pattern. The device operates on a system of tilted, spinning discs that mimic a floor moving in all directions.
Brownlee illustrated the operation, demonstrating that moving objects can be manipulated by a gesture, akin to how the Jedi Knights of Star Wars fame control objects using "the Force." As Brownlee explained in a video, any motion crossing a predetermined boundary in front of an individual can influence the object on the floor. This motion triggers the device to adjust the floor's movement to correspond with the object's motion.
Subsequently, the Disney team let MKBHD take a seat and navigate the device using a PlayStation controller. Finally, Brownlee was permitted to operate the device independently, walking around after a short familiarization period. He was able to traverse a virtual Disney landscape, with his movements accurately represented in the 3D environment.
While the Holotile remains in its prototype stage, it offers a glimpse of the future possibilities. Current 360-degree treadmills on the market do not offer the same unrestricted movement provided by Holotile. The uses of this technology extend beyond simulating scenes from "Ready Player One." Disney itself foresees it as an avenue for virtual exploration of the company's theme parks.
During his trial, Brownlee utilized the device to stroll around a digital rendition of the Magic Kingdom. Potential applications of Holotile extend to fields outside theme parks and video games. It could manipulate objects in dynamic environments, provide training for first responders, law enforcement and military personnel, and assist educational pursuits. The technology could also enhance NFT collecting, transforming it into a physically-engaging activity, reminiscent of a universe where "Pokemon Go" merges with "Bored Apes." In associated news, it has been reported that Yuga Labs has undergone another restructuring involving layoffs and leadership changes.
Published At
4/27/2024 9:46:10 PM
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