the first of several posts on virtual reality suits

From the first book of Sharon of Two Salems, on page 101:

“Here’s the VR suit,” Alice said.

“Where?” Sharon asked.

“It’s invisible—it’s just a force field that wraps around your body. And that section of floor moves in all four directions as you walk on it. It will also tilt and incline with the same angle of the floor the virtual reality robotic form is walking on at that moment. Here, why don’t you try it?”

Sharon steeled herself and gingerly stepped onto the square area. Nothing happened. So far, so good, she thought.

“Now try walking,” Alice instructed.

Sharon took a shaky step forward. The foot behind her slid backward, though, and she found herself in exactly the same place in the center of the panel.

Feeling a little braver, she walked normally. The material of the panel moved right along with her steps, and she stayed exactly in the same place. She even turned a little, and it easily accommodated that movement.

A virtual reality setup that includes being able to walk in place--while the visuals through the glasses show the participant walking to a new location--is in development.

The Virtuix Omni™ evolves virtual reality one step further, allowing anyone to stand up and traverse virtual worlds with the natural use of their own feet. Walking and running in virtual reality creates an unprecedented sense of immersion. 

It will be interesting to see the final product. Here are some more details:

The Omni uses a concave platform that enables a smooth, natural gait and an immersive walking and running motion. Comfortable Omni shoes allow for extended gameplay and fast-paced battlefield action. A robust support ring and unattached support harness provide maximum safety and versatility for rapid, unconstrained movements. Walk, run, jump, and turn swiftly and smoothly in 360 degrees without restraints. 

 In Sharon of Two Salems, force fields surrounding the body provide the "safety net" so that the person in the suit can't fall off of the panel. However, we're still a ways from creating something remotely like a force field, much less one that would cushion up gently to one's arms and legs. 

It will be interesting to find out how the safety features on the Omni work to prevent falling, including the "unattached support harness," as they get ready to roll out this product.