Disney’s Imagineers have developed a groundbreaking technology that could revolutionize the metaverse hardware industry. The innovative device, known as the Holotile, is a 360-degree treadmill that can be controlled through remote control, physical movement, or gestures.
Renowned United States YouTuber and 2022 Ultimate champion, Marques Brownlee, also known as MKBHD, had the privilege of being the first non-Disney employee to test the prototype. The Holotile consists of a thick plastic mat composed of numerous spinning pieces arranged in a seemingly random geometric pattern. By utilizing tilted, spinning discs, it creates a floor-like surface that can move in any direction.
During the demonstration, MKBHD showcased how the Holotile can be operated through hand gestures, reminiscent of the iconic Jedi Knights from the Star Wars franchise who can manipulate objects using “the force.” In addition, he was seated in a chair and given a PlayStation controller, which allowed him to propel himself across the device. Finally, he had the opportunity to walk freely on the Holotile, after a short training session, immersing himself in a Disney metaverse environment where his real-life movements were seamlessly translated into a virtual 3D world.
Although the Holotile is currently in the prototype stage, it showcases the immense potential of this technology. While there are existing 360-degree treadmills available, none have the unrestricted movement capabilities that the Holotile offers.
The applications for the Holotile are vast and extend beyond merely replicating scenes from the popular film “Ready Player One,” where characters navigate virtual environments using advanced treadmills. Disney envisions utilizing this technology to enhance the experience of their theme parks in the metaverse. During MKBHD’s trial, both he and the inventors of the Holotile explored a digital version of the Magic Kingdom, showcasing its potential for immersive theme park experiences.
Beyond theme parks and video games, the Holotile could be utilized in a variety of fields. It could be employed to manipulate objects in dynamic environments, train first responders, law enforcement personnel, and military operatives, and enhance educational experiences. Furthermore, it could add a new level of interactivity and physical engagement to collecting nonfungible tokens, envisioning a scenario where “Pokemon Go” meets “Bored Apes” in a fully navigable environment.
The Holotile represents a groundbreaking innovation with immense potential for transforming the metaverse hardware industry. Its versatility and ability to provide unprecedented freedom of movement make it a technology to watch out for in the future.