I always wanted to fly a wing suit, but without the risks of actually crashing into an unforgiving ground. 😉
I got to experience that with Mindride’s “Airflow”: I got suspended in a bungee jump harness with foot straps to hang horizontally, sensors on my arms for arm inclination, an Oculus Rift on my head for virtual reality view, and fans blowing at me for the sensation of wind flight.
And off I went!
The experience is much like flying as superman. Like with a canoe, holding one arm low pivoted me around that arm, arms to the back accelerate (Naruto ninja-running style), arms open to slow down.
I found this quite an immersive experience.
The developer said they also have versions with heat lamps, CO2 puffs for cold, and water misting for even more immersion.
The main application they said they were targeting for was entertainment (hiring it out for parties and such). I imagine there is also great opportunity for working on fear of heights or flying with it.
With different software, I think it is a great opportunity for flow state hacking with this kind of setup.
My expectation is that this kind of application of virtual reality is going to be worth to keep an eye on. There are already “VirZoom” and “WideRun” virtual biking, or “Icaros” flying core workout.
Here is to flying as superman!
Wouter