Backpack-Like ‘JumpMod’ Device Makes Jumping In Virtual Worlds Feel Realistic

Virtual-reality (VR) technology has come a long way, but replicating realistic sensations of movement remains something you can mostly find in theme parks or through extensive equipment.

Addressing this issue, researchers at the University of Chicago’s Human-Computer Integration Lab have devised the ‘JumpMod Haptic Backpack’ prototype.

The backpack-sized device’s primary goal is to fool the user’s sense of body awareness, creating a more authentic sensation of jumping in the VR world.

How does the JumpMod Haptic Backpack work? The device simulates the feeling of jumping by rapidly shifting the position of a weight worn by the user. This replicates everything from higher jumps to different types of landing. The beauty of it lies in its untethered nature, allowing seamless indoor and outdoor use.

The demo video showcased a test subject running through a farm, jumping over tipped cows, pumpkins, and mud pits while trying to collect coins.

The implications of employing JumpMod technology could be far-reaching, enhancing VR experiences across various settings, from theaters—where it could be implanted into the seats—to theme parks or to add another layer of reality to your gaming sessions.

[via Engadget and Game Is Hard, screenshot via HCintegration]