Most present-day computer interfaces tend to create a separation between the physical world we live in and the digitally created virtual worlds of cyberspace that exist inside the computing devices we surround ourselves with. The primary goal of this project is to merge these worlds and create a seamless interface between digital information and the ordinary physical environment in which we are living and interacting. By placing virtual elements in the real world we can leverage the best of both worlds. People are able to play with virtual creatures and other objects that can be flexible, dynamic and have their own behaviours, while having fun together and interacting in a very natural and direct way.
To take part in the game, players sit or stand around a table, wearing a head mounted display (HMD) with a small video camera attached. Through their HMD's they can see the real world in real-time. On the table lies a gameboard and the players each have a large magnet. When the players look at the game board they see the virtual game world spatially mapped over reality. In this game area little clumsy robots roll through the environment, unaware of all the dangers that might end their robotic lives. It's up to the players to save these virtual robots by attracting them with their magnets and steering them away from the danger. They need to cooperate to save all the robots and get them to the next level.
For more information on this project, please visit the Robotract website.