Disney’s Imagineers have developed a groundbreaking innovation in metaverse technology – a 360-degree treadmill that can be controlled through various methods such as remote control, physical movement, or gestures.
The first person outside of Disney to test the prototype device was Marques Brownlee, a popular YouTuber and the 2022 Ultimate champion, known as MKBHD.
Dubbed the Holotile, this device is made up of a thick plastic mat with hundreds of spinning pieces arranged in a seemingly random geometric pattern. By using tilted, spinning discs, it creates a moving floor that can go in any direction.
MKBHD showcased its capabilities by effortlessly moving objects with a simple wave of his hand, reminiscent of the Jedi Knights from the Star Wars franchise, who can manipulate objects with their minds using “the force.”
In the next demonstration, MKBHD was seated in a chair and given a PlayStation controller to control his movements on the device, allowing him to fling himself around with ease.
Finally, MKBHD was given the opportunity to use the Holotile while standing on his own two legs. After a short training period, he was able to freely walk around in a virtual 3D environment within the Disney metaverse, with his real-life movements seamlessly translated into the digital realm.
Although the Holotile is currently just a prototype, it showcases the immense potential of this technology. While there are existing 360-degree treadmills available, none of them offer the same level of unrestricted movement as the Holotile.
Beyond recreating scenes from the popular movie “Ready Player One,” where players traverse virtual environments using futuristic treadmills, the Holotile opens up a world of possibilities. Disney envisions its use in exploring their theme parks within the metaverse. During MKBHD’s trial, he and the inventors of the device showcased its capabilities by exploring a digital version of the Magic Kingdom.
Outside of theme parks and video games, the Holotile could have numerous applications. It could be used to manipulate objects in dynamic environments, train first responders, law enforcement, and military personnel, and enhance educational experiences. It could even revolutionize the collection of nonfungible tokens by creating a more interactive and physically engaging experience, envisioning a scenario where “Pokemon Go” meets “Bored Apes” in a traversable virtual environment.
Overall, the Holotile represents a significant advancement in metaverse technology, offering a glimpse into the exciting possibilities that lie ahead.