Whitewater Slalom Pseudo Experience Device using 3-DOF Motion Base and VR Goggles

We generally visit a stadium, watch TV programs, or view online broadcasts to enjoy watching sports. However, the position of the seat or camera for broadcast in the stadium is generally fixed, and the motion of players cannot be experienced. A sports-watching system, called "Synchro-athlete," is developed in our study, with a 3 DOF motion base and a virtual reality (VR) goggle. The motion base is driven by electric motors and is small and lightweight. Synchro-athlete provides 360° video, sound, and motion, which gives the viewer the impression of being a player. The control of the 3-DOF motion base and the application to canoe slalom are described in this paper.