KAT WALK: Difference between revisions
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{{Device Infobox | {{Device Infobox | ||
|image= | |image={{#ev:youtube|RihvVvinfhE|350}} | ||
|VR/AR= | |VR/AR= | ||
|Type=[[Input Device]] | |Type=[[Input Device]] | ||
| Line 42: | Line 42: | ||
|Size= | |Size= | ||
|Cable Length= | |Cable Length= | ||
|Release Date= | |Release Date=April 2016 | ||
|Price=$599 | |Price=$599 | ||
|Website=http://www.katvr.com/ | |Website=http://www.katvr.com/ | ||
}} | }} | ||
[[KAT WALK]] is an [[omnidirectional treadmill]] [[Input Device]] for [[virtual reality]] developed by [[KatVR]]. It allows unrestricted, | [[KAT WALK]] is an [[omnidirectional treadmill]] [[Input Device]] for [[virtual reality]] developed by [[KatVR]]. It allows unrestricted, continuous movements within a small 360 degree space. KAT WALK is designed to mimic [[locomotion]] inside [[VR]] using a [[HMD]]. | ||
==Background== | ==Background== | ||
The creators of the KAT WALK omnidirectional treadmill want to solve the problem of locomotion in virtual reality and allow users to freely move within a small space. Built especially for first person shooters, the KAT WALK is small enough to fit into any living room, yet large enough to offer 360 degrees of continuous movement. The project was successfully funded on | The creators of the KAT WALK omnidirectional treadmill want to solve the problem of locomotion in virtual reality and allow users to freely move within a small space. Built especially for first person shooters, the KAT WALK is small enough to fit into any living room, yet large enough to offer 360 degrees of continuous movement. The project was successfully funded on Kickstarter<ref name="kickstarter1">https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/katvr/kat-walk-a-new-virtual-reality-locomotion-device/description</ref>, and first units are expected to ship in the first half of 2016. | ||
With its built-in and wearable sensors, users can literally walk/run (forwards and backward), jump, crouch and sit in the virtual world. | With its built-in and wearable sensors, users can literally walk/run (forwards and backward), jump, crouch and sit in the virtual world. | ||
==Features== | ==Features== | ||
The main feature of this omnidirectional treadmill is its open construction that minimizes constraints on movement and allows users to perform all basic movements like walking, running, jumping, or crouching. | The main feature of this omnidirectional treadmill is its open construction that minimizes constraints on movement and allows users to perform all basic movements like walking, running, jumping, or crouching. | ||
Other omnidirectional treadmills put users inside a support ring, which stands in the way and prevents unrestricted movement of hands and legs. The KAT WALK instead puts users inside a special harness. This harness can be adjusted to accommodate various body shapes with maximum carry capacity up to 308lbs (140kg). The support structure itself is designed to work with users measuring between 4'3" and to 6'7" (130cm - 200cm). | Other omnidirectional treadmills put users inside a support ring, which stands in the way and prevents unrestricted movement of hands and legs. The KAT WALK instead puts users inside a special harness. This harness can be adjusted to accommodate various body shapes with maximum carry capacity up to 308lbs (140kg). The support structure itself is designed to work with users measuring between 4'3" and to 6'7" (130cm - 200cm). | ||
Once strapped in the harness, users can freely move without having to worry about hitting the supporting structure. Walking and running has a realistic friction thanks to a pair of specially designed shoes. They use a high-friction material to mimic what it feels like to walk on a real ground. | Once strapped in the harness, users can freely move without having to worry about hitting the supporting structure. Walking and running has a realistic friction thanks to a pair of specially designed shoes. They use a high-friction material to mimic what it feels like to walk on a real ground. | ||
When not used for movement control, the KAT WALK can be equipped with a swing chair add-on, which provides a comfortable place to sit during VR gaming experiences controlled with a gamepad. | When not used for movement control, the KAT WALK can be equipped with a swing chair add-on, which provides a comfortable place to sit during VR gaming experiences controlled with a gamepad. | ||