Currently solutions for walking in VR are limited to large and expensive 360-degree treadmills, but Google's new VR shoes patent shows that the tech giant is interested in solving this VR issue. Best described as stationary skates, this Google patent closely resembles roller skates and is described in the patent as "motorized footwear." These VR shoes essentially sync up with a VR headset and allow users to walk anywhere in VR without bumping into any real walls.
This technology may only work in a large space, but the VR shoes actually feature a sensor that brings users back to a "return zone" if they venture beyond a prescribed area. This helps avoid collisions with real-world objects, while still allowing for a freedom of movement in a VR space.
Conceptual VR Shoes
Google's New VR Patent Could Allow For Treadmill-Free VR Movements
Trend Themes
1. VR Shoes - Patented VR shoes that allow for real walking movements in virtual reality without the need for a large 360-degree treadmill may disrupt the current VR space by providing a more immersive experience.
2. Motorized Footwear - The concept of motorized footwear for virtual reality may lead to the development of more affordable and accessible solutions for VR movement, making it more appealing to a wider consumer audience.
3. Return Zone Sensors - The implementation of return zone sensors in VR shoes may lead to additional safety features that can be leveraged in other industries such as warehousing or manufacturing to prevent collisions and accidents.
Industry Implications
1. VR Gaming - The VR shoes may drive innovation in VR gaming by providing a more immersive and free-moving experience for gamers.
2. Fitness - The patent on motorized footwear for VR could be used to revolutionize the fitness industry by providing a virtual augmented experience that feels like real-world exercising.
3. Warehousing - The return zone sensors in VR shoes could be implemented in the warehousing industry to increase productivity and safety of workers who operate in environments with heavy machinery.