A unique solution for battling VR-induced motion sickness is about to hit the market in the Roto VR Explorer chair. The chair, which looks looks like a cross between a typical office chair and a sci-fi prop, syncs up with the user’s VR headset to track head movements and rotate the user accordingly. The chair’s base features an electric motor that Roto VR says can spin the chair up to 21 revolutions per minute, though most users probably won’t want to experience max RPM.
WATCH: Disney Imagineers demo HoloTile Floor
The company claims the chair helps reduce motion sickness due to its response to the user’s head– a slight or slow head turn will spin the chair accordingly, while a sharp or drastic turn will result in a proportionally quick rotation. In addition to reducing motion sickness, this would also increase the user’s sense of immersion in whatever virtual reality they are experiencing.
Additional features include a rotating USB port in the seat’s base to charge VR headsets while in use, haptic feedback via a “rumble pack,” and locking wheels to make sure you don’t go too far while in virtual space. While the Roto VR Explorer is certified as “Made for Meta,” indicating it’s passed Meta’s inspection for use with their VR devices, the Explorer should function with any device that it’s sensor can integrate with via headstrap.
The Roto VR Explorer is currently available for preorder for $799.
