Vibro-vestibular Wheelchair with a Curved Pedestal Presenting a Vehicle Riding Sensation in a Virtual Environment

We developed a vehicle ride simulation system for immersive virtual reality. The system comprised a wheelchair for vibration and vestibular sensation, and a pedestal with a curved surface for the wheelchair to run on to provide a gravitational acceleration sensation. Our system was presented as a demonstration at an international conference for two examples of riding in a car and riding on a roller coaster. We provided 66 participants with a questionnaire to evaluate the quality of our system. Results showed that whole body vibration by the actuator improved immersion in the riding experience.