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Star Trek’s vision becomes reality – Holodeck is launched

It is not just Trekkies who have a reason to be pleased: the new Holodeck from Fraunhofer IIS offers up to 100 people at once the option of entering a virtual world and going on an adventure in almost boundless expanses.

© Fraunhofer IIS / Kurt Fuchs
Almost real: the Holodeck makes it possible to experience and even walk through winter landscapes.
© Fraunhofer IIS / Kurt Fuchs
The Holodeck allows users to experience virtual reality (VR) up close and personal: within large areas, users can move around without cables and only with VR glasses, and can discover various themed worlds with many other participants. Leisure experiences such as a virtual visit to a museum, sightseeing, or other activities are also a possibility.

The idea for the holodeck was inspired by the science fiction series Star Trek, where virtual worlds could be simulated within the enclosed space on board the starship. At ISPO MUNICH 2017 between February 5 and 8, fiction became reality. The Holodeck system comprises real-time trackers and offers sensor fusion and calibration functions that are combined with virtual reality glasses and innovative content. Within an area of up to 14,000 m² users can enjoy this unique experience together.

Holodeck – interaction and unlimited freedom of movement

Virtual reality often lacks the content needed to attract a mass audience, users cannot have a shared experience with others, they are bound to a certain location, and the motion sometimes results in motion sickness. Dr. Stephan Otto, project manager at the Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits IIS, explains the solution: “Instead of experiencing virtual reality alone and immovably, you can now move around freely within an area of up to eight soccer fields and interact with over 100 other players.” The Holodeck is diverse: its range covers computer games, entertainment, virtual travel and sports, up to and including virtual exhibition spaces. Potential applications could also include corporate and urban planning, architectural uses, and virtual training sessions and simulations, for example in the area of security.

Walking in a winter wonderland, surrounded by virtual ski slopes

At ISPO MUNICH 2017, winter sports clothing manufacturer Bogner was the first company within the fashion and sports sector to demonstrate the Holodeck. In a small 36 m² version of the holodeck at the ISPO, several users were able to enjoy this unique experience simultaneously. Three people at a time were able to enter a mountainous virtual world and move freely through a winter landscape. Users were able to take a virtual journey through the company’s 85 years of history.

The future of Holodeck technology

The aim of this project is to market the Holodeck technology and then to found a startup in order to use virtual reality technologies for various application scenarios. In the long term, the developers expect digital and virtual 3D content to open up new and surprising possibilities, particularly in areas such as entertainment and commerce.

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