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The virtual cocoon

Posted Jun 3, 2009

Avoid reality with a life-like virtual experience that recreates sights, smells, sounds. With its wireless connection virtual experiences can be shared with other people in real time (without having to talk).

A virtual life experience is coming soon to this planet.

Courtesy of a team of British academics from York and Warwick universities, they have just unveiled a new project: an helmet entitled Virtual Cocoon. Set for production in 5 years, with an estimated price of € 1.700, we take a peek at the protoype.

The helmet features a high-definition screen that can produce pictures 30 times darker or brighter than a normal television. A tube and a spray connected to chemical boxes, release smells and tastes. A surround-sound speaker system recreates noises and sounds and even a variation in heat or humidity is guaranteed with a fan and heater.
 

Professor Alan Chalmers, one of the project's curators, said that Virtual Cocoon will be the new technological step for long-distance business meetings, medical and police staff training, interactive history lessons and travel agencies, in order to give hesitant customers a taste of exotic destinations.

Within the next 5 years it could be possible to use this prototype version for sciences and teaching or as a new revolutionary mass market product. Imagine what could happen if one uses the helmet when connected to a social network as all your “movements” are registered and simultaenously transmitted to your friends.

The visionary possibilites are endless...

GF

Source & Photo Credit: Pictures from here: www.sciencetech
 

 

TAGS: virtual cocoon technology york university warwick university social networking virtual helmet alan chalmers virtual experiences new technology virtual reality