Innovations will make sports in virtual world possible
Research into sports in virtual reality (VR) will soon start at the VUB. It will be carried out via a new VR box: a high-tech room in which athletes are connected to digital technologies. As well as scientists, VUB students and staff can try out this innovative way of keeping fit. The project will be realised with the association BRAVR SPORT.
The VR box will be used for scientific research, among other things. A research group will be established to carry out studies on sports using virtual and augmented reality. Two studies will be set up, conducted by doctoral students. The main focus will be on the added value of VR sports. Various target groups will be addressed, including adults, children, seniors and people with disabilities. Topics include what effect sports in VR has on people with disabilities, and a comparison between VR sports and more traditional sports such as squash.
At the same time, a VR sports club will be established at VUB to investigate to what extent the public might take up VR sports. VR team sports have not been studied before.