Yaw VR’s smart chair offers a 40-degree motion range for roll, 70-degree for pitch movements, and haptic vibrations.
With 34 days left to go in the campaign, Yaw VR’s next-gen motion simulator/smart chair, the Yaw2, this week reached over $1M in funding on Kickstarter, absolutely demolishing its original goal of $100,000.
Shipping out to early backers this September, the Yaw2 is able to tilt 70 degrees up and down and 40 degrees side-to-side, allowing for more realistic simulations enhanced by real-world movement. By adding the optional Yaw platform, you can take your experience even further with full 360-degree rotations. There’s also built-in vibration haptics capable of simulating acceleration, speed, an engine’s RPM, and gunshots.
The Yaw2 promises not only more realistic VR experiences, but more comfortable ones as well. When it comes to fast-paced immersive experiences such as Star Wars: Squadrons or Project Cars, motion sickness is a fairly common occurrence. By replicating your in-game movements as they happen in the real world, Yaw VR claims that its motion simulator can actually reduce motion sickness.
Here’s a full list of the technical details as provided by Yaw VR:
- Motion range: roll 40°, pitch
- Motion Speed: 160°/s (roll, pitch), 360 °/s (yaw)
- Yaw platform (optional) motion range: 360°
- Power: 500 W (700 W with the Pro upgrade)
- Max loadweight: 287 lbs (130 kg)
- Footprint (LxW): 2.43 x 2.17 feet (74 x 66 cm)
- Weight: 110 lbs (50 kg)
- Communication: Wifi, LAN
- Wifi Setup: Bluetooth setup by Yaw2 app
- General setup: Yaw2 app for android, iOS, Windows
- SDK: unity, UNREAL
- Emulator: android, iOS, Windows
Compatible with major VR headsets—including the Oculus Quest, HTC Vive, and PlayStation VR—the Yaw2 is compatible with 20 popular VR games via the Yaw VR Game Engine app. In addition to gaming, the device serves as a work and relaxation station with its large ergonomic desk, replaceable seating, and posture correction assistance.
The Yaw2 is currently available for pre-order on Kickstarter starting at $1090 with the first devices shipping out to early backers this September. The Pro version comes with built-in USB and network connectors for simplified cable management. This model also features stronger motors and a reinforced internal structure; the latter two designed specifically for arcades and education centers. Then there’s Yaw2 Pro Arcade, an extension of the Yaw2 Pro complete with 2 programmable buttons, a seat occupancy sensor, centralized device management software, and 3rd party integrations.
At the moment, the company is working to integrate existing VR management platforms, such as CenterEdge VR Arcade Management Software, Private Label Software Platform, Springboard VR Arcade Management Software, and Viveport Arcade Software Platform. There are also several hilarious stretch goals, such as a Grandma Rocking Chair and gyro-balancing cupholder.
For more information visit the official Kickstarter.