As the topic of Virtual Reality technology has previously been discussed on this blog, I thought it would be beneficial to consider another way in which VR is innovating and becoming even more advanced. An article I came across, titled “The Final Frontier in Virtual Reality? Hacking Your Muscles” introduces a new way in which VR will attempt to make virtual worlds seem more realistic.
Although there are many VR devices that add a feeling of reality to virtual worlds, these devices lack the ability to create a realistic impression of a physical space or structure.
This article discusses a new form of wearable technology that uses electrical muscle stimulation to deliver a sensation to the wearer’s muscles.
The technology would enable the wearer to feel the sensation of touching a wall, holding a cube or pressing a button, as well as feeling the sensation of hazardous elements such as fire.
While the article states that the technology itself isn’t new, and that electrical muscle stimulation has been previously used in physical therapy and strength training, its incorporation into the world of VR is quite recent.
What are your thoughts on this invention? Do you believe that the combination of electrical muscle stimulation technology with the VR world is an innovative design? Or is it just taking something that already exists and adding it to something for entertainment purposes.
I believe that although this technology isn’t new, this method of using it is unique, and an interesting way to utilize existing technology and transforming it into something different. I also feel as though the potential for this technology to achieve other goals is quite expansive. If the electrical muscle stimulation technology can be used for VR purposes, what else is it capable of? Could this be a window into even more innovative creations in the future?
Article: https://www.fastcodesign.com/90109556/the-final-frontier-in-virtual-reality-hacking-your-muscles
I went to a virtual reality arcade about a month ago and it exceeded my expectations! I tried VR before - a zombie game at the office I used to work at, as well as a roller coaster stimulator through Google Cardboard + an app on my phone. The place I went to is on Columbia close to Waterloo called Ctrl-V (http://www.ctrlv.ca), which was actually founded by the same guys who started Invisivision (http://www.invisivision.com).
ReplyDeleteThe experiences through VR gaming was pretty neat as each player feels immersed in different spaces and places - from climbing walls, jumping into space, killing zombies, or even playing mini-golf with others in the same room. I believe that it's a new form of escapism - just like watching films, reading novels, etc. but this new technology is not completely mainstream just yet, so many are interested in trying it out. VR gaming is taking something that exists, but it enhances it with advancements in technology giving users/players new experiences that haven't really been seen before. Gaming was just staring at a handheld device or monitor, but now, it's 360 degrees of space that one can see and immerse themselves in.
Over my university career, I have written two separate papers on VR reality and its ability to represent more than mere entertainment for video game users. In a medical context, virtual environments and avatars have been created to train medical students, nurses, and doctors on medical procedures. This eliminates the risk of losing an individual on the operating table, as it allows the user to practice their tactics and skills to perfection. It also creates a platform to create potential new medical procedures that have not yet been introduced. In addition to medical contexts, the military has also been taking advantage of the benefits accompanied by virtual technology through simulating environments to train pilots on basic flying skills leading to less time wasted, lower costs and, fewer incidents. Therefore the implementation of electrical muscle stimulation technology within the VR world, may contribute to an ever improving education for medial and military purposes.
ReplyDeleteIn response to your comment, regarding VR devices and their lack of ability to create realistic impressions of a physical space or structure – over the summer I worked a VR reality booth at the Toronto car show, which allowed users to step into a fully immersive environment. Although, it was an interesting experience, the quality was quite low and for this reason, it requires technological improvements. However, it is a new technology within the market, and there is no doubt that it will continue to improve as it becomes more popular within various fields: medical, military, entertainment etc.