HoboLoco
Gamers, Virtual Reality users, and computer users have been underutilizing their feet since the beginning. That's about to change. Sit back, relax, and get your feet in the game with HoboLoco!
HoboLoco is a for-profit company creating innovative peripherals at the University of Texas at Dallas Venture Development Center. Our initial forthcoming product is a unique dual-foot controller inspired by the so-called "hoverboard" that is a valuable tool for use with PCs, game consoles, virtual reality systems, and teleoperation of robots. We have been granted 5 patents to-date by the US, China, Japan, and South Korea patent authorities.
HoboLoco's seated controller is a valuable tool for use with PCs, game consoles, virtual reality systems, and teleoperation of robots. It's operated by a seated user with both their feet in a scheme inspired by the popular two-wheel "hoverboard". Each of the pedals on which the user's feet rest has a neutral (flat) position and they can be tilted independently toe down or heel down. Sensors continually read the degree of forward or backward tilt of each foot plate and the combination of these determines the direction and speed of travel in a virtual environment. It is perfect for controlling a first-person view in VR while seated. It can be configured in a variety of ways. It can be set to operate as a combination keyboard and mouse to instantly communicate with PC and console games for a game player looking for an edge or a hands-free way to perform a variety of keystrokes and mouse movements. It can be set to operate as a Bluetooth gamepad to communicate with systems including Meta Quest VR headsets for hands-free locomotion while immersed.
