Thanks to the mainstream controllers that have been released to support interactions in virtual reality environments, people first and foremost think of the hands—but Brilliant Sole offers a much more intuitive, immersive way for people to get around VR spaces with the feet.
Brilliant Sole is a North Carolina-based VR startup that created a sensor and haptic footwear platform that can be embedded into insoles. As such, the foot-based, hands-free controllers allow VR participants to immerse themselves while seated, standing or walking. While sensors track the force of a foot at various pressure points, haptic motions give feedback to the foot, making it possible for a richer sensory experience.
As of 2019, Brilliant Sole plans to launch a crowdfunding campaign for its technology.
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Foot-based VR Controllers
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Developing immersive VR experiences that utilize foot-based, hands-free controllers for enhanced sensory feedback.
Where This Applies
- Virtual Reality
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Integrating foot-based VR controllers into gaming and entertainment industries for a more immersive and realistic experience.
- Healthcare
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Utilizing foot-based VR controllers in physical therapy and rehabilitation to enhance patient engagement and outcomes.
- Training and Simulation
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Implementing foot-based VR controllers in military and industrial training scenarios for more realistic and hands-free simulations.
