[bsza]

If it’s running at a constant speed, it shouldn’t be any different according to Newtonian mechanics. Perhaps seeing the environment stand still is weird, but in VR (which I understand would be the main application here) that’s a non-issue.

[armchairhacker]

My issues with a treadmill is that there’s this wall right in front of me I run into if I run too fast, so it’s hard to run fast (even if I don’t run into the wall); the tread is narrow so I can’t move too far to the side (which makes it harder to run even if I don’t move to the side, I also find it a bit harder to run on a narrow sidewalk than a wide one); and of course I can’t run too slow or I’ll fall off. Seeing everything around me completely still as I run makes me nauseous, but that’s much less of an issue. The main issue, having to consciously constrain how I run (even if I actually run at a constant speed in a very straight line outside, so in theory it wouldn’t be necessary), makes running outside significantly easier and faster.

VR should stick to bike trainers. Making an immersive bike that can simulate hills and turns and feel natural seems achievable today and is relatively a piece of cake.

[tshaddox]

It also needs to be sufficiently low-latency in its reactions to your change in speed. That’s not an issue when you’re walking or running outside. I think the need to maintain a very consistent speed is one of the difficulties in using a treadmill for the first time.