The global pandemic has forced us all to adapt and find new ways to stay active and healthy. One such innovation is the virtual reality (VR) fitness revolution, driven by ground-breaking research conducted by Neelesh Mungoli. In this interview with BulletinBite, Mungoli shares the journey behind this transformative idea and his vision for the future of VR fitness.
The seed for Mungoli’s VR fitness project was planted during his work at the Visualization Lab at the University of North Carolina, Charlotte. While exploring the potential of HTC Vive and other VR devices, he stumbled upon the idea of creating virtual avatars that could mimic real-life movements. “Six months into my research, I realized that immersive experiences like gyms and games in VR had immense potential,” he recalls.
Mungoli’s research focused on studying existing augmented reality (AR) and VR applications, eventually identifying a gap in the market. “None of the apps I analyzed had the concept of mapping real-life movements to virtual avatars,” he explains. Recognizing the opportunities that this concept could unlock, Mungoli set out to create an algorithm that would achieve this goal.
The first step in his journey was to develop a method for collecting data from VR sensors and using it to replicate real-life movements in virtual environments. To achieve this, Mungoli employed Inverse Kinematics, a technique that allowed him to capture 90% of the movements accurately. This breakthrough laid the foundation for his VR fitness innovation.
The timing of Mungoli’s research couldn’t have been better. With the pandemic forcing gyms and fitness centers to close their doors, people turned to alternative workout options. Mungoli believes that VR and AR workouts will become the new norm in this challenging environment. “Oculus is doing a great job in bringing VR to the masses, and I have high hopes for the future of this technology,” he says.
Despite the commercial potential of his research, Mungoli remains committed to keeping his work accessible. “Most of my research is open source, available for everyone to examine freely under university laws,” he asserts. This approach allows developers and entrepreneurs to capitalize on Mungoli’s work to create innovative products and services for the benefit of the wider community.
As for the future of VR, Mungoli envisions a world where lightweight devices, no different from glasses, are widely used by the masses. “In 10 years, I believe we’ll see people using VR for navigation, watching videos, listening to music, and participating in virtual hangouts,” he predicts. The integration of VR into everyday life will not only revolutionize fitness but also transform the way we live, work, and socialize.
Mungoli’s journey is far from over. He remains dedicated to refining his algorithm and expanding its compatibility with a variety of devices. “My goal is to make the algorithm even better and support a wide range of VR platforms,” he shares. This unwavering commitment to his research ensures that the exciting developments in VR fitness are just the beginning.
Neelesh Mungoli’s groundbreaking work in VR fitness is a testament to the power of innovation and perseverance. As we navigate the challenges of the pandemic, his research offers a glimpse into the future of fitness and the potential of VR technology. It is clear that Mungoli’s contributions to the field will continue to shape the way we approach physical activity and well-being, paving the way for a healthier and more connected world.