Futuring and Innovation in Technology

How close are we to having an actual Holodeck as depicted in the Star Trek series and movies? I was watching an episode on the science channel a few weeks ago and scientists claim that in 20 years computers will be powerful enough to recreate our existing world in cyberspace. With no noticeable difference from how we perceive it now. While virtual reality has been around for some time now there have been issues with its adoption. Vertigo sickness being one and another is how to move around. The first VR trip I took back in the mid 90’s I believe was a simple world where you drove a small tank and played against one other person driving a similar vehicle. Fun but extremely primitive. I think it cost me 5 bucks for 10 minutes. While I think that only practical way to move around the cyber world is by using the mind, such as in the TV series Caprica.

http://www.syfy.com/caprica/index.php

Two other companies that I looked at are taking a different more physical approach to the problem. The University of Warwick and the virtual reality company VR Systems UK are developing what they describe as a cave system. The individual in cyber world basically walks around in a sphere. It is an interesting read and can be found on the Science Daily web site at.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2000/10/001022202243.htm

The other device is the Cyberwalk Treadmill by Schwaiger and Munchen from the Cyberwalk European Project. It is a treadmill that has the ability to change direction. You can watch the video on You Tube link below.

http://gizmodo.com/5528013/cyberwalk-virtual-reality-treadmill-this-is-the-holodeck