You can use virtual reality almost for anything

Jul 28, 2015 13:59 GMT  ·  By

Catapult Transport Systems has implemented Virtual Reality Oculus Rift-based Omnifinity set, to create its so-called "Visualisation Laboratory" in which they plan to test in Virtual Reality how pedestrians will react to automated cars or trams.

A bit overkilling it, I say, but the tech behind this underwhelmingly disappointing goal is quite impressive. Catapult uses a massive omnidirectional mill called Omnideck6 which its developer calls it "a step closer to Star Trek's holodeck," to test pedestrian VR reactions to said automated cars and public transportation.

Combined with that, there is also the aforementioned Omnifinity Virtual Reality set that combines the Oculus Rift DK2 VR with the Omnideck6 to create a completely VR immersive experience that was first developed to serve military simulators.

Impressive tech, commercial goals

Apparently, the whole idea of adopting the Omnideck6 was to get scientists and engineers to test their own inventions and solutions in virtual reality before building costly prototypes. As of now not many prototypes have been tested but rather well-dressed fellows walking around with headsets and gawking at virtual cars and sidewalks.

The whole underwhelming endeavor is to basically promote the Omnideck6 which, although impressive in its own right, is just looking for clients that should come with government money. Omnifinity also has contracts with Sweden's government for implementing the VR deck to Swedish military, and if the London authorities want to use it as well, why not let them.

The Omnideck6 room at Catapult System can be rented for £500 ($857) for software testing, and also for any personal VR endeavor.