This 360 treadmill could make Disney’s metaverse a physical playground

The Imagineers at Disney have created an innovative prototype for metaverse hardware: a 360-degree treadmill controllable through remote control, physical movement, or gestures. Marques Brownlee, a U.S. YouTuber and 2022 Ultimate champion, was the first non-Disney employee to test this device.


As a researcher exploring advancements in the metaverse realm, I’m excited to share an innovative concept that could revolutionize our experience with metaverse hardware. Disney’s Imagineers have engineered a 360-degree treadmill, allowing users to traverse virtual environments with unprecedented immersion. This device can be controlled through remote commands, physical movement, or gestures.

Marques Brownlee, a renowned YouTuber based in the United States and the 2022 Ultimate champion, became the first individual outside of Disney to try out the prototype gadget.

This innovative gadget goes by the name Holotile. Imagine a substantial mat composed of numerous small, rotating discs intricately arranged in an apparently haphazard geometric design. The Holotile functions by tilting and spinning these discs, thereby generating a floor that can move in all directions.

Just as MKBHD showcased the capability to manipulate objects using hand waves (gesture control), reminiscent of the Star Wars characters’ ability to move things with their minds through the power called “The Force.”

Per MKBHD, in the video:

“And they’ve actually mapped anything that crosses a certain line in front of me to move whatever object is on the floor. So when I move my hand in front of that line, the program moves the floor around to match the movement of the object with the movement of my hand.”

As a researcher, I had the opportunity to experience the immersive capabilities of the Disney device firsthand. The team graciously provided me with a PlayStation controller and invited me to explore its functions by moving around in the chair.

As a researcher studying virtual reality technologies, I’ve had the opportunity to assist a YouTuber in exploring a new advancement: the ability to navigate a Disney metaverse using a wearable device on his own legs. Following a short instructional phase, he was able to move around freely in this 3D environment, with every step he took in reality being mirrored in the virtual world.

The Holotile, still in its prototype stage, showcases the potential for innovative technology. Among the available 360-degree treadmills, none can match the uninhibited motion offered by the Holotile.

As a crypto investor with an interest in the metaverse, I can envision numerous applications beyond just replicating the scenes from “Ready Player One” where characters move around in virtual worlds using advanced 360-degree treadmills. Instead, these innovative technologies could offer immersive experiences that go beyond physical movement, such as:

As a crypto investor, I’ve been following Disney’s recent moves into the metaverse with great interest. Disney seems to view this technology as an opportunity to let fans explore their theme parks in a whole new way. In fact, during MKBHD’s trial run, both he and the device’s creators gave us a sneak peek by taking a digital stroll around a virtual Magic Kingdom.

As a crypto investor, I see the potential of this technology going beyond theme parks and video games. It could be utilized to manipulate objects in dynamic surroundings, such as for training first-responders, law enforcement personnel, and military personnel. Additionally, it could make collecting NFTs a more engaging, physically active experience if we envision a scenario where “Pokemon Go” merges with “Bored Apes” in an explorable environment.

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2024-04-27 22:04