TRAVL explores mixed-reality pedestrian human behaviors in both physical and virtual realms

By CSEE staff

Within its dedicated space in Ketter Hall Room 101, TRAVL houses the Cyberith Virtualizer Elite 2, an omnidirectional pedestrian walking simulation platform. The Virtualizer incorporates six 1000Hz optical motion sensors, and a 2 degree-of freedom platform that enables “pitch” and “roll” motions as users walk through virtual space using 3D virtual reality (VR) glasses, such as an Oculus. A waist-level harness allows full rotation movement, or yaw, enabling users to walk in any direction. 

Users wear specialized low-friction footwear slippers that create a dynamic contact surface. This Virtualizer setup addresses a primary limitation of mobile VR environments, constrained physical workspace that restricts walking distance. In contrast, the Virtualizer theoretically provides an unlimited workspace, allowing users to walk indefinitely in any direction once acclimated to the system mechanics. 

To complement this system, a physical pedestrian walkway has been constructed in Ketter Hall room 102. The walkway measures 39 feet in length and 6 feet in width and can be used for pedestrian research applications in both physical and virtual contexts. Users may navigate the space using physical sight or rely entirely on a virtual environment through a VR headset. 

The sensored walkway consists of interlocking tiled mats that can be marked and reconfigured using fluorescent tape to designate walking lanes and direction of traffic. This physical pedestrian system complements the TRAVL’s other simulators, including biking, walking, and driving and enables potential mixed-reality co-simulation analyses of simultaneous pedestrian behaviors when implemented alongside Virtualizer participants. 

Located on the ground floor of Ketter Hall in rooms 101 and 102, TRAVL’s research, education and training efforts focus on enhancing human safety and improving the overall efficiency of integrated transportation networks. TRAVL is a marquee research facility affiliated with the Stephen Still Institute for Sustainable Transportation and Logistics (ISTL). Through its cutting-edge research and interdisciplinary graduate program, ISTL fosters collaboration and innovation aimed at improving transportation systems worldwide.