The Roto VR Explorer is attracting the attention of XR enthusiasts for good reason. At first glance, a chair that tracks your movements as you spin around in VR may seem like a gimmick. But in my view, it offers an interesting alternative to the various peripherals emerging to address the challenge of VR locomotion.
In recent years, as more companies and consumers embrace extended reality, we’ve seen numerous new concepts come to light to revolutionize how we navigate virtual spaces. Innovators are introducing VR Shoes, omni-directional treadmills, and tactile mats.
So, why not explore VR chairs as well?
London-based Roto VR believes its “Made for Meta” chair will provide a more intuitive and immersive experience in VR applications, and I’m all for comfort in virtual reality.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Roto VR Explorer.
What is the Roto VR Explorer?
The Roto VR Explorer is a new, motorized chair created by Roto VR that can rotate 360 degrees with your head movements and sync with your in-game audio. Priced at $799, it’s one of the higher-end accessories designed for Meta devices like the Quest 3.
Compared to other VR locomotion solutions such as omni-directional treadmills, this innovative chair will be much more accessible to the masses. What sets this chair apart from a standard spinning office chair is the patented “look and turn technology,” combining a powerful motorized base with full-body haptic feedback.
The chair also serves as a convenient all-in-one hub station for the Quest 3, featuring a built-in charging port for your headset to ensure you don’t run out of battery mid-session.
Features include:
- 360-degree look-and-turn capabilities
- 21 revs per minute motor
- Haptic feedback for your entire body
- Integrated charging port
- Cable management system
The Roto VR Explorer: Design and Comfort
The Roto VR Explorer resembles a standard office chair, with the exception of the bulky, circular base on the bottom. While it may not be the most visually appealing or as comfortable as a standard office recliner, it does have its advantages.
This chair features a high-quality leather seat with adjustable seat height options and an adjustable footrest. Despite the large wheelbase with an integrated electric motor taking up space, the chair is more compact than a full-sized omnidirectional treadmill.
I appreciate the integrated cable management system, which keeps things organized and protects your wires. The included charging port is a useful addition, addressing the common issue of low headset battery life.
The “Look and Turn” technology integrated into the chair functions well, automatically rotating users to face the direction they’re looking. However, to move you automatically, the chair needs data from a hockey-puck style sensor attached to the top of your headset, adding a bit of weight to your head during VR experiences.
The haptic “rumble” sensations are decent and contribute to a greater sense of immersion in VR settings. Additionally, Roto VR plans to make the chair “modular” so users can add accessories for different setups.
Although the Roto VR Explorer is a “Made for Meta” device approved by Meta, it can also support other standalone headsets, such as the VIVE XR Elite and Apple Vision Pro in the future.
If you’re seeking more comfort, Roto intends to introduce a “Pro” version of the chair soon, featuring adjustable arms, a higher backrest, and headrest support.
Does the Roto VR Explorer Improve Immersion?
The Roto VR Explorer not only enhances immersion but also addresses some of the key challenges of using VR headsets. It can genuinely make your VR experiences feel more immersive, depending on the applications you use.
Not every VR application requires you to move around or stand up. In situations such as immersive collaboration sessions in apps like Microsoft Immersive Spaces, you may simply want to sit at a “virtual desk” and turn to view whiteboards and colleagues occasionally.
Unfortunately, looking around your full “virtual landscape” can be challenging when sitting on a standard office chair or sofa. The shape of a standard chair can obstruct your view, forcing you to stand up, strain your neck, or use controllers to see certain parts of a space.
The Roto VR Explorer resolves this issue, providing a more comfortable immersive experience. It also makes it easier to use your arms and hands freely while in VR since the chair has a shorter backrest, allowing your arms to move unhindered as you interact with content.
The inclusion of a rumble pack for force feedback further enhances immersion, especially in certain VR games and experiences like car simulations or flight training in extended reality.
Reducing Motion Sickness in VR
Aside from enhancing immersion, Roto VR highlighted that the Explorer could potentially help users combat “VR sickness.” They believe that a chair supporting real-world movements corresponding to what you see in VR will result in less disorientation for your brain. The closer the alignment between your physical movements and the virtual environment, the less likely you are to experience nausea while wearing a headset.
While you might attempt a similar experience by rotating a standard office chair using your legs, the smooth and seamless experience offered by Roto VR is unmatched. The chair’s movement speed matches the intensity of your head movements, ensuring that a slight turn won’t abruptly jolt you around in your seat. Instead, it creates a natural sense of movement and observation in a space.
While it may not eliminate motion sickness entirely for everyone, this accessory can undoubtedly make VR sessions more comfortable for many users.
A Better Alternative to VR Treadmills?
VR chairs like the Roto VR Explorer won’t replace the need for other VR locomotion solutions such as VR Shoes and treadmills. Those accessories are valuable in situations where you need to move around freely in VR to prevent collisions and create a more immersive experience naturally.
However, for individuals who spend a significant amount of time seated in VR, the Roto VR Explorer offers numerous advantages. The chair’s size may not fit next to a standard computer desk, but finding space for it in your office or home should be easier. It’s discreet and compact enough to fit into most setups. The possibility of customizing the chair with add-ons and accessories in the future makes it appealing to a wide range of VR users.
Is the Roto VR Explorer Worth it?
While less costly and simpler to integrate than a VR treadmill, the Roto VR Explorer still comes at a considerable price of around $799. Not every company or individual may rush to purchase this accessory immediately.
However, if you’re looking for an intuitive way to enhance your XR setup, whether for immersive meetings or gaming, the VR Explorer could be a valuable choice. It’s already compatible with over 400 games and apps on the Meta Quest store and offers reasonable comfort.
It’s evident Roto believes in the success of the chair, with the Roto VR Explorer Pro already in production despite being available for pre-order at the time of writing. This likely won’t be the last we hear of VR chairs from Roto VR.
Conclusion: More Than Just a Spinning Chair
The Roto VR Explorer may seem like a simple spinning chair at first glance, but it offers a multifaceted solution to improve your VR experiences. From enhancing immersion and reducing motion sickness to providing a comfortable and customizable design, the Explorer caters to various needs of XR enthusiasts.
With its innovative features like the “Look and Turn” technology and haptic feedback, the Explorer stands out as an intriguing alternative to traditional VR locomotion solutions. While the price may be a barrier for some, the benefits it offers in terms of comfort, immersion, and reducing motion sickness make it a worthwhile addition to your XR setup.
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