2D Treadmill list
I thought I'd start a thread to list and discuss the walk-enabling devices that are currently available (though I'll use the term loosely since half of them seem to still be research projects).
Virtuix
http://www.virtuix.com/
Roller boots
http://www.hack247.co.uk/virtual-reality-roller-boots/
Cyberwalk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3rtX2pWRh6w
http://spectrum.ieee.org/automaton/robotics/robotics-software/cyberwalk-giant-omnidirectional-treadmill-to-explore-virtual-worlds
http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&v=moq1Dclza90&feature=endscreen
Cybercarpet
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WHfUpI66tfo
Virtusphere
http://www.virtusphere.com/
CirculaFloor
http://intron.kz.tsukuba.ac.jp/CirculaFloor/CirculaFloor_j.htm
MSE Omnidirectional Treadmill
http://www.mseab.se/The-Virtual-Theatre.htm
I'm sure there are some that I've missed so post 'em if you know 'em.
Cyberwalk seems to be the ultimate installation to me, but given its size and probable cost, the odds of getting one in my house are slim. My favorite is the roller boots idea. The backpack seems a bit hefty, but I think if you give up portability and just clear some floor space for your "VR area" you could probably have the control system off to the side and have a power/control tether dangling from the ceiling.
-nsb
Virtuix
http://www.virtuix.com/
Roller boots
http://www.hack247.co.uk/virtual-reality-roller-boots/
Cyberwalk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3rtX2pWRh6w
http://spectrum.ieee.org/automaton/robotics/robotics-software/cyberwalk-giant-omnidirectional-treadmill-to-explore-virtual-worlds
http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&v=moq1Dclza90&feature=endscreen
Cybercarpet
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WHfUpI66tfo
Virtusphere
http://www.virtusphere.com/
CirculaFloor
http://intron.kz.tsukuba.ac.jp/CirculaFloor/CirculaFloor_j.htm
MSE Omnidirectional Treadmill
http://www.mseab.se/The-Virtual-Theatre.htm
I'm sure there are some that I've missed so post 'em if you know 'em.
Cyberwalk seems to be the ultimate installation to me, but given its size and probable cost, the odds of getting one in my house are slim. My favorite is the roller boots idea. The backpack seems a bit hefty, but I think if you give up portability and just clear some floor space for your "VR area" you could probably have the control system off to the side and have a power/control tether dangling from the ceiling.
-nsb