By moving behavioral testing into the virtual world, researchers can create more realistic and ecologically valid experiments. Our Virtual Reality Lab houses a wireless system along with a variety of input devices so that participants can explore a large foam-padded space. The lab will be temporarily shut down for the next few months during the MEG Lab construction, but when it reopens it will have a new dedicated suite equipped with a control room and observation window.

Technical Details

The Virtual Reality Lab is is equipped with an enterprise grade HTC Vive Pro virtual reality system. The head mounted display has a resolution of 1440×1600 pixels per eye (2880×1600 pixels combined) with a 90Hz refresh rate. Its total viewing angel is 110 degrees. High impedance headphones and integrated microphone are built into the head set. The system is also equipped with a HTC Wireless Adapter using Intel Wireless Gigabit technology (4.6 Gbps over a 60GHz frequency) to provide wireless VR capability. The HMD is powered using a separate battery pack clipped on to the subject belt. Its space is equipped with 4 Vive 2.0 base stations, providing a large usable play area in which the subject can move freely. The Lab is also equipped with an integrated intercom microphone to communicate directly to the subject during the experiment.

The lab comes equipped various input devices such as SteamVR trackers, Vive and Vive Pro controllers and ManusVR Gloves for integration and use in experiments. A Xsens motion capture suit is also available.

PNI researchers interested in obtaining more detailed information regarding our VR Lab should visit our internal Scully Facilities Wiki.