Even with recent improvements in virtual reality, yet it is almost impossible to physically walk through virtual environments. Now, European researchers have started a project called CyberWalk and demonstrated the “omni-directional treadmill” (a mat in all directions, the environment in which a person can walk in any direction in immersive virtual environments), called CyberCarpet.

The researchers believe that their new virtual environments will be used by architects and the gaming industry. Other possible applications include training for firemen in dangerous situations or help people overcome some phobias.

According to Marx Ernst, project coordinator, this is the minimum size required for the natural walk. “The treadmill (treadmill) or CyberCarpet, incorporates several new mechanical solutions, which ensure a safe and harmonious operation. The key to CyberCarpet is a platform with a large chain of directions. “The elements of this chain are made of conventional treadmills.

This project has generated considerable interest from the European community of research. A project partner, the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETHZ) CityEngine developed a software package to quickly create virtual environments, large-scale, in particular cities, in varying degrees of detail. Combining CityEngine to CyberWalk can create a number of possibilities, never before performed may now appear as:

• Learn about ancient civilizations
• Walk through famous cities (eg Rome)
• immersive games first-person.

Via: Spectrum.