What Is VR Full-Body Tracking and Is It Worth the Investment?
When you think ‘virtual reality,’ do sleek headsets and stunning audio-visuals rush to mind? They should. That perception of VR isn’t wrong, but VR can stimulate far more than the eyes and ears alone. New technology has made it possible to bring your entire body into the virtual world. Known as VR full-body tracking, it can mirror your real-world movements, simulate the sensation of physical touch, and blur the line between “virtual” and “real.” It has the potential to revolutionize how organizations train their team, design 3D models, conduct research, create prototypes and much more.
The stage is set for VR's ascension in the world of industry, but to implement it, business leaders need a better understanding of how they could use this technology. We’ll explore what hardware options currently exist, how they can be used, and why they are worth investing in.
What is VR Full-Body Tracking?
So how does VR full-body tracking bring the entire body into the virtual experience? In short, a little more hardware is added to the equation - namely, a bodysuit, trackers and a pair of VR gloves. The new hardware collects inputs from the user, like their movements and biometric data, while offering outputs, like the sensation of touch (also known as haptic feedback) and even climate control.
To get the full-body VR experience, both VR gloves and bodysuits are essential. Haptic gloves enable manual interaction with a virtual environment, while full-body suits track the user’s movements to simulate them virtually.
VR Gloves
HaptX VR Gloves - The best of the best in haptic technology - the Dom Perignon of high-end VR gloves, if you will. HaptX VR Gloves incorporate all major forms of physical feedback needed to simulate complex touch sensations with real-world objects. In a practical sense, this means they simulate resistance and skin-surface tactile feedback on an acute level. Coupled with highly sensitive motion-tracking capabilities, these gloves yield an extremely realistic VR experience.
Manus VR Gloves - Manus has developed finger tracking devices capable of tracking motion with incredible accuracy. Their "Prime II" gloves are available in three forms: standard motion tracking, haptic VR-ready and "XSENS," which feature special adapters that allow them to integrate with various applications. These gloves are capable of tracking fairly complex movements, including finger spreading. Unlike lower-grade alternatives, they track input data directly without needing to render gestures to translate the data.
VR Trackers
VR trackers are used to detect users’ precise movements. Leading brands like Manus VR and HTC Vive build their VR trackers on the framework of SteamVR tracking technology. SteamVR hardware can include a base station with laser lines that scan the room, as well as lightweight sensors placed on other objects that the user wants tracked in their virtual experience.
While the HTC Vive is the most common VR tracking solution for consumers, the Manus Pro Tracker was created exclusively for professional/enterprise use. It’s currently the most advanced VR tracker on the market, featuring more sensors than any other SteamVR tracker. It also uses the latest sensors, resulting in the most reliable SteamVR data, like the tracked object's orientation, velocity, and angular velocity.
VR Bodysuits
Bodysuits translate all manner of physical feedback to a user's entire body when used. In the case of the Teslasuit, feedback is both supplied and retrieved, allowing individuals undergoing training to be monitored carefully throughout each session.
The Teslasuit captures motion and biometrics while providing haptic feedback. Designed to fit a user's body like a "second skin", each suit tracks motion across ten internal sensors and provides tactile feedback to the user across 80 electrostimulation channels. Available sizes range from XS to XXL and the suit ships with a suitable SDK as well as Unity3D/Unreal Engine 4 plugins.
How Can Full-Body VR Be Used in Your Industry?
Healthcare
From risk-free surgery prep to controlled patient consultations, VR technology has found a natural home among aspiring healthcare professionals. While full-body tracking VR has shown promise in motor rehabilitation and physical therapy, it could also pave the way for remote surgeries, in which a surgeon’s movements are mimicked by robotic arms on a patient half a world away.
Construction
Much has been said of the rising lack of skilled labor in construction, and VR has become an unlikely hero in bridging that gap. VR welding training, for example, has found a strong foothold among instructors through the systems on offer from Lincoln Electric, which allows users to explore potentially dangerous training conditions in a safe virtual environment.
Law enforcement
The Teslasuit opened new doors for physical training and conditioning strategies in law enforcement. From de-escalation training (where body language is crucial) to active shooter scenarios, full-body VR is essential to creating a realistic and immersive experience for the trainee.
Manufacturing
Companies such as Ford and Audi have begun incorporating VR tech in the design and assembly process, with promising results. The latter found success with an in-house VR logistics training system. It allowed employees to be taught to pack auto parts for assembly, without the space and resource requirements such training usually involves.
How Much Does Full-Body VR Cost?
Advanced VR technology has seen significant cost reductions for both consumer and enterprise-grade offerings.
The hardware - Bodysuits range in price from $299 USD (the TactSuit X16 by bHaptics) to the Teslasuit cost of $12,999 for the developer kit. Whereas haptics-enabled gloves cost start at €2,499 (the Prime II Haptic by Manus), while brands like HaptX and VRgluv quote upon request.
The software - The exact amount you need to pay for an SDK and plugins depends on the device itself, plus the development engine you decide to use. For instance, the Prime II offers a perpetual development license granting access to an SDK and plugins for the top game development engines (Unity and Unreal) for €1,499 more than the base VR gloves price.
Putting the equipment and software you need together by purchasing from separate vendors can understandably be a challenge. For full-body VR projects, it helps to have experts on hand to choose and assemble your new system onsite.
How to Bring VR Full-Body Tracking to Your Organization
Here at MACE, we handle the complexities of the entire process for you. You can count on receiving expert guidance and hands-on assistance each step of the way.
Acquiring full-body VR tech comes down to managing the following critical factors:
Specifying the right technology solution for your tracking needs
Capabilities and Budget
Shipping and Installation
Operator and Developer Training
Without a thorough knowledge of the solutions available and how they relate to real-world goals in your industry, it can be nearly impossible to find the best fit for your company's needs. Partnering with the right company can keep you from making mistakes and wasting resources.
Our team at MACE Virtual Labs brings VR industry expertise to your technology adoption plan. By partnering with MACE, you benefit from our industry-adaptive approach to VR systems planning. Leverage flexible leasing options for industry-leading technology and a hands-on approach to the setup and implementation.
Incorporating VR into your long term business strategy is an investment. It only makes sense to invest in quality assistance from the start as well. Reach out to our team today to learn more.