GyroVR: Simulating Inertia in Virtual Reality using Head Worn Flywheels

GyroVR uses head worn flywheels designed to render inertia in Virtual Reality (VR). Motions such as flying, diving or floating in outer space generate kinesthetic forces onto our body which impede movement and are currently not represented in VR. GyroVR simulates those kinesthetic forces by attaching flywheels to the users head which leverage the gyroscopic effect of resistance when changing the spinning axis of rotation. GyroVR is an ungrounded, wireless and self contained device allowing the user to freely move inside the virtual environment. The generic shape allows to attach it to different positions on the users body. We evaluated the impact of MotionVR onto different mounting positions on the head (back and front) in terms of immersion, enjoyment and simulator sickness. Our results show, that attaching MotionVR onto the users head (front of the HeadMounted Display (HMD)) resulted in the highest level of immersion and enjoyment and therefore can be build into future VR HMDs, enabling kinesthetic forces in VR.