Disney develops a mysterious moving floor called 'Holotile' that you can walk on on the spot, and hopes for its application to VR content
As VR (virtual reality) technology evolves, it is now possible to enjoy highly immersive content in high resolution, but a major challenge is how to link 'movement within VR space' with reality. Disney Research, Disney's research organization, has revealed that it is developing the world's first multi-player, omnidirectional, expandable, moving floor called HoloTile.
You can see what the 'moving floor' actually developed by Disney Research is like in the following movie.
Lanny Smoot, a fellow at Disney Research.
Mr. Smoot worked for
We also developed lightsabers like those used at Disneyland's Star Wars-related events. It seems that he has obtained more than 100 patents so far.
Mr. Smoot introduces a special flooring called 'Holotile.'
Looking at Mr. Smoot's feet, the floor is covered with special tiles embedded in it.
When Mr. Smoot moves his feet on the holotile, he can walk in place. Since the holotile itself moves, it is possible to continue walking while staying still, just like walking on a room runner.
A problem with VR content is that even if your avatar moves in the VR space, the real person does not move. By using this holo tile, you will be able to move freely even in a limited space.
What's more, Holotile has no restrictions on the direction of movement. Therefore, even if multiple people are on the holotile and each person moves in a different direction, it can respond properly.
The point is that you can control the movement of two people at the same time, so it can be used for two-person content.
Since the holotile itself moves, it not only responds to human movements, but also allows objects on the holotile to move. In the movie, you can see how the blocks placed on the holotile move freely.
We were also able to see a demonstration in which the chair Mr. Smoot was sitting on moved in response to the hand movements of the person in front.
With Holotile, the entire floor with embedded tiles becomes a device, not just the tile part, so it is quite expensive and difficult for individuals to install at home, but it can be used for VR content at theme parks and leisure facilities, attractions, musicals, etc. It can be expected to be used as stage equipment.
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