The Overlooked History of Virtual Reality: A Look Back at 1957
Virtual reality has been a buzzword lately, with the technology making waves across various industries such as gaming, movies, healthcare, and education. However, the roots of VR can be traced back to 1957, when a man named Morton Heilig invented the Sensorama. This device was the first-ever example of virtual reality technology and paved the way for the innovation we see today. In this article, we will delve deeper into the overlooked history of virtual reality and explore its fascinating journey from the Sensorama to the present day.
What is the Sensorama?
The Sensorama, invented by Morton Heilig, was an arcade-style cabinet that aimed to create an immersive, multi-sensory experience. The device consisted of a chair that vibrated and moved to simulate motion, a stereo sound system, a 3D display, and even a scent simulator. The Sensorama provided viewers with an experience unlike anything else at the time, allowing them to witness the streets of New York or ride a motorcycle through the countryside.
However, the Sensorama never achieved mainstream success and remained a largely unknown invention until modern VR technology caught up with the vision of its creator.
The rise of Virtual Reality in the 1990s
Fast forward to the 1990s, and the concept of virtual reality gained significant traction when Jaron Lanier coined the term “virtual reality” (VR) and founded VPL Research, one of the first companies to specialize in VR development. The VPL team created gloves and goggles that allowed users to interact with digital worlds, paving the way for the VR technology we see today.
In the ’90s, companies like Sega and Nintendo also took an interest in virtual reality. They released consoles such as Sega’s VR and the Nintendo Virtual Boy, which used 3D red and black graphics to create a sense of depth. Though both consoles experienced commercial failure, they still played a significant role in the evolution of VR.
The present state of Virtual Reality
Virtual reality technology has come a long way since its early days. Today, VR devices like the Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, and PlayStation VR provide users with immersive experiences that blur the line between the physical and digital world. These devices have found their way into various industries, from gaming to healthcare to even e-commerce.
In healthcare, VR technology is being used to help train surgeons and medical students in complex procedures, while in education, it’s being used to provide virtual field trips and classrooms. Virtual reality is also being used to help soldiers overcome PTSD by creating simulations that replicate scenarios they might encounter in combat.
Conclusion
The rise of virtual reality has been nothing short of remarkable, but it all began with Morton Heilig’s Sensorama. The ’90s saw an explosion of experimentation with VR technology, leading the way for the advanced devices we see today. Virtual reality has come a long way in a few decades, and the possibilities for its use continue to expand as we find new ways to incorporate it into various industries. From the Sensorama to the Oculus Rift, virtual reality continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in technology and our understanding of the world around us.
