HoloBike promises immersive indoor cycling with holograms instead of VR headsets

Image: Holographic Saga

Saga’s Holobike catapults you into breathtaking 3D bike paths — no VR headset required.

FACTS

Saga’s Holobike offers an interesting solution for indoor immersive cycling with its 3D hologram technology. Instead of a VR headset, the trainer uses a 27-inch screen that protrudes from the steering wheel. This projects stereoscopic holograms that are visible to the naked eye and create a feeling of actually being out on the trail.

The 4K screen has infrared sensors that react to the position of the eyes and create a real spatial perception. The system simulates the human perception of movement in three-dimensional space and mimics the feeling of outdoor exercise.

Saga is currently building a library of digitally recreated routes from around the world, from the Alps to the Australian outback. These 3D builds are based on real locations and created using AI and procedural generation from volumetric scans.

In addition to the visual experience, Holobike’s electromagnetic resistance adapts to virtual ascents and descents. The manufacturer also promises almost silent operation.

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Gamified fitness in virtual reality

The crowdfunding goal of $25,000 was exceeded in a very short time. The bank currently sits at over $45,000 with only 30 backers and just over 40 days to go. In addition to Saga’s Holobike, there are also a number of immersive fitness solutions that combine virtual reality and real sports equipment.

Apps such as Holofit or VZfit make conventional cardio equipment such as treadmills, rowing machines and bike trainers compatible with VR. Using the Quest VR headset, exercisers can immerse themselves in motivating virtual worlds and explore fascinating locations while exercising.

Some of these apps use gamification elements such as points systems, leaderboards and virtual rewards. Others rely on guided courses with real trainers, multiplayer modes and the integration of fitness trackers.

As of update 2.0, the Octonic app, for example, supports more than 400 treadmill models. These pair directly with VR headsets via Bluetooth and are controlled in the virtual world.

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