While pursuing my Master’s degree at UC Berkeley, I contributed to the creation of an omnidirectional treadmill for Blue Goji as a key component of my capstone project. This innovative product enables users to engage in immersive virtual reality experiences, effortlessly walking or running in any direction while remaining on a stationary platform.
Blue Goji's vision for this technology extends beyond mere entertainment; they aim to leverage it in crafting personalized rehabilitation plans, tailored to individual patients. However, the combination of such treadmills with VR systems opens up vast opportunities in the gaming industry as well.
I took the lead in designing the main component of the treadmill, which consisted of 32 individual beams used by the users to walk in any direction.
Using SOLIDWORKS, I created the CAD design and collaborated with various suppliers to manufacture some components. Others were crafted by me at UC Berkeley's metal machine shop. Overall, I employed a range of manufacturing processes, such as metal sheet bending, CNC machining, laser cutting, lathe work, 3D printing, welding, and more.
Working on this capstone project was a delightful experience for me. Collaborating with a team of ten individuals, I had the opportunity to engage in a project that was both challenging and rewarding. Through this project, I gained invaluable insights into teamwork, project management, and problem-solving. It was a journey of learning and growth that I thoroughly enjoyed.
(PS: Due to nondisclosure agreements (NDAs), I regretfully cannot share further pictures or videos showcasing the working product. Thank you for your understanding.)
