Gym Anywhere With Virtual Reality

A new device prototype has been unveiled that pairs with a virtual reality headset to make physical activity a unique, immersive experience.

Devised by German design company Hyve, the contraption – known as Icaros – is paired with a VR headset to bring physical activity to a virtual experience.

The experience features scenarios including ocean dives, virtual gyms and interstellar flight.

Senior innovation designer, Johannes Scholl, who came up with the idea for his industrial design diploma thesis in 2012, told The Observer: “You are balancing your centre of mass. When you are doing a steep decline, for example, it really goes into your shoulders, into your chest muscles. When you do left and right turns it is pretty exhausting to your abs and to your lower back muscles.”

Currently in its second incarnation, the Icaros prototype has recently returned from a digital convention in Berlin where around 50 volunteers put the machine through its paces.

“All of them said ‘phew that’s really exhausting!'” added Scholl.

Plans are now in place to refine the device while the company moots a potential crowdfunding campaign.

“One prototype is very, very expensive but what we are aiming at is that [the price] can compare to gym equipment you would normally buy for your home.”