NOLO VR Reveals Universal Motion Tracking System

Motion tracking is often considered one of the key components of modern high-end virtual reality (VR). The lack of accurate positional tracking is one of the marks against mobile VR, but positioning systems are also one of the trickiest things to get right. LYRobotix is offering a possible way for mobile and PC VR with its NOLO universal motion tracking system.

The NOLO Motion Tracking System is designed to be used on all types of VR systems, from Mobile VR like Google Daydream, PC-based VR like the Oculus Rift, or even standalone systems like the upcoming HTC Vive Focus. The system is said to offer room-scale, six degree-of-freedom motion tracking, with only a few settings needed to integrate it into any VR rig.

The NOLO system comes in several parts, the Base Station forms the ‘core’, a small form-factor and lack of wires means it should be fairly easy to place, needing to face the play area on a flat, horizontal surface for best effect. The NOLO Base Station can last for up to four hours on a charge. The Headset Marker provides the 6DoF head-tracking for the system. It fits onto the headset using a provided headset mount, and its powered either by a PC or smartphone using a Micro USB cable.

There are also two controllers which provide 6DoF hand-tracking. The controllers ave a touch pad, full button function, including a trigger and can last up to seven hours on a charge.

Funding for the project was initially acquired by Crowdfunding, with the launch of a Kickstarter campaign in March 2017 that managed to achieve its funding goal in old eight hours, eventually getting over 400% of its initial funding goal by the end of the campaign.

LYRobotix claim the NOLO system is compatible with almost every currently available VR and AR headset, including the Oculus Rift, Samsung Gear VR, HTC Vive, PlayStation VR, Google Daydream, Google Cardboard and Microsoft HoloLens. The company is also working with several companies involved in VR and AR technology, such as Huawei, Pimax, Nibiru and Trinus VR to further develop the NOLO Motion Tracking system.

Further information on the NOLO Motion Tracking System is available on the official website. VRFocus will continue to report on further developments.

Crowdfunding In VR: NOLO VR Begins Kickstarter Campaign

With HTC Vive primarily flying the flag the desire for roomscale virtual reality (VR) experiences grows steadily. As does the amount of companies looking to bring them to the consumer. The latest to do so is Califonian company LYRobotix who have brought a new front-facing, room scale motion tracker to Kickstarter.

NOLO VR Set + Box Packaging

Called NOLO VR and consisting of two controllers, a base station and a headset marker, according to the makers it will be a bring six degrees of freedom tracking in a 13ft squared space, operating at low latency. LYRobotix also promises that it will be compatible with PC systems operating SteamVR and Android-based mobile VR headsets such as Google Cardboard. The controllers and base station being designed to work out of the box with any headset that is Android based and will operate on battery for 7 hours.

Setting a price point of $99 (USD) LYRobotix are attempting to provide a budget alternative to the solutions already on the market.

“With NOLO VR, you can put on your mobile headset and interact with the environment naturally, turning the usual passive VR experience into an active one.” Explains LYRobotix COO and Co-Founder Lisa Zhao.

At the time of writing NOLO VR has already surpassed it’s initial $50,000 (USD) goal by nearly $25,000 and continues to gain support with 38 days still to go on the campaign. VRFocus will bring you more news on the project when the campaign finishes.