Virtual reality users are always looking for the next big thrill. With this immersive technology, it is only a matter of time until something new and engaging comes along. It is now possible to effectively control a bomb-disposal robot in virtual reality these days. Not necessarily something most consumers are looking forward to right away, but it makes a lot of sense for people active in this industry.
Defusing Bombs With Virtual Reality
It may sound pretty interesting to control a bomb-diffusing robot in virtual reality. While not everyone will successfully want to do so at any given moment, it is good to see some new experiences being created regardless. SRI International’s Taurus robot has efficiently taken over from regular humans when it comes to disposing of bombs. Although this is nothing new by any means, the company has come up with some interesting solutions
More specifically, the Taurus robot has received a major upgrade not too long ago. It is now capable of using virtual reality to control this bomb-defusing robot, which is excellent news for the operators. Up until this point, they were forced to watch a 3D monitor to see what the robot sees. While this approach worked just fine, it is evident there was a lot of room for improvements. By strapping on a VR headset, it also becomes a lot easier to successfully control the Taurus.
In fact, the team claims this is almost as good as standing in front of the bomb itself, without the chance of physical harm, of course. Assuming the body of a machine is anything but natural, but this VR update certainly makes it all possible. Moreover, the immersive feeling is only heightened thanks to the haptic feedback SRI can add to the Taurus. Feeling static forces, for example, can be invaluable while defusing a bomb. The VR-based experience itself successfully provides this feedback when needed.
Rather than just seeing what Taurus sees, operators will also have a HUD with virtual buttons to tap. All of this is made possible thanks to the Oculus Touch motion controls which control the robot’s arms.It is a very interesting take on things which may eventually lead to a gamifcation of this system, for example. It can prove to be a valuable training tool for aspiring operators, that much is certain. This is only the beginning of how VR can lead to a safer overall society for all of us.
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