Maximize your VR play space with this $700 personal omnidirectional treadmill.
Despite having only recently been popularized by mainstream media, most-noticeably in Steven Spielberg’s Ready Player One, omnidirectional treadmills have been in development for quite some time. Naturally, this type of artificial locomotion has proven especially popular within the immersive technology sector, allowing VR users to physically traverse virtual environments with complete freedom-of-movement regardless of the size of their play space.
This week, KAT VR—one of the leading providers of VR-ready omni-directional treadmills—announced its first personal omnidirectional device aimed specifically at the consumer market. Whereas past Kat products, such as the KAT WALK and KAT VRMIS – ARENA, targeted the professional and enterprise sectors with expensive, high-end locomotion solutions, the KAT WALK C features a lighter compact construction ideal for at-home gamers.
Similar to the KAT WALK, the KAT WALK C allows players to walk, run, sprint, and strafe throughout VR environments using a custom low-friction base and specialized IMU-based footwear. Anti-slips straps attached to the heel of the shoes allow players to customize their friction level to match their skill level, whether they’re a VR veteran or total newcomer. Players are secured to the device via a rear-mounted vertical harness which allows them to crouch and stand without fear of running off the platform and head-first into a nearby wall.
According to the official press release, the KAT WALK C will be compatible with all major VR headsets, including the Valve Index, HTC Vive/Vive Pro, Oculus Rift/Rift S, PlayStation VR, Windows Mixed Reality, and Pimax; as well as all free locomotion games, including Arizona Sunshine, Pavlov VR, No Man’s Sky, VRChat, Blade & Sorcery, Onward, and numerous others.
The KAT WALK C will be available for pre-order soon via Kickstarter. Early-bird investors will be offered a discounted rate of $699 plus delivery. More information to follow.
Image Credit: KATVR