Refract Technologies has started a Kickstarter for Axis, a full-body virtual reality controller to fully immerse VR enthusiasts into their software. Refract Technologies is a Singaporean company comprised of ex-employees of large gaming and technology developers such as Ubisoft, Electronic Arts, Creative Technologies, and more. Michael Ching, CEO of Refract Technologies, believes full-body tracking will fully immerse users in the virtual reality experience.

Until now the proper implementation of full-body tracking has seemed like a fantasy as there haven't been many options for sticking your whole body into a virtual experience. PlayStation VR attempted something similar with 3DRudder, where players move a rudder with their feet to move about in a game. However, it requires the user to sit while they operate the rudder. Other users have taken to attaching Vive trackers to their ankles while they play, although the most precise way to get around this problem, it still does not track legs and knees.

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Axis, the full-body controller, aims to subvert this issue by using ten nodes that attach to your body: two on each arm, one on each thigh, and one on each shin. The system aims to be accessible, affordable, and accurate. The system will be untethered, without the need for a base station, and is able to be used on its own or with an existing VR setup for additional accuracy in motion tracking. The Axis is SteamVR and OpenVR compatible with OpenXR being added in the not too distant future. The product is even sweatproof so there's no need to worry after an especially exhausting session.

How Much Is It?

The Kickstarter is looking to raise $133,900 by the 1st of October and has so far drawn 50 backers and $27,891. To preorder the full controller, which includes the necessary nodes that make up the technology, users must pledge a minimum of $542 plus shipping. Should the Kickstarter be successful backers would be sent their Axis' by March 2022. For backers in the USA, the shipping for the controller will cost $35-$40.

Large companies have seen the potential in Axis not only being useful to gaming but sports practice too, with World Taekwondo using the controller to promote virtual inter-gender sparring. They even claimed that virtual taekwondo has the potential to be a hybrid sport and esport in its own right. While compatible with most VR games, Axis also ships with a free game, called Freestriker, a VR fighting game that acts as a tech demo for the controller's capabilities.

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Source: Kickstarter