Omnidirectional Treadmill: The Ultimate FPS Input Device?

MojoKid writes "The concept of gaming accessories may have just been taken to a whole new level. A company called Virtuix is developing the Omni, which is essentially a multidirectional treadmill that its creators call 'a natural motion interface for virtual reality applications.' The company posted a video showing someone playing Team Fortress 2 and using the Omni along with the Oculus Rift virtual reality headset. You can see in the video how much running and movement this fellow performs. With something like the Omni in your living room, you'd likely get into pretty good shape in no time. Instead of Doritos and Mountain Dew, folks might have to start slamming back Power Bars and Gatorade for all night gaming sessions."

Comments

Not really a treadmill

[Solandri]

Just a slippery surface while wearing slippery shoes. The idea has been around since at least the 1990s.

Real omnidirectional treadmills exist, first started as a DoD project. You can walk naturally on them, as demonstrated here and here.

It's still debatable which method is superior or more practical.