Quantifying Full-Body Immersion

2026-05-21

AI Summary

This work addresses the persistent gap in virtual reality systems that limits immersion to audiovisual and haptic modalities, thereby failing to achieve full-body engagement. The authors propose a scalable, distributed platform based on bio-inspired modular robotic surface units, which for the first time systematically defines and implements the Full-Body Immersion (FBI) paradigm. By integrating dynamic environmental modeling, real-time whole-body motion interaction, and spatially distributed force and deformation feedback, the platform supports immersive spaces of arbitrary scale—from single-user to multi-user scenarios. It uniquely unifies three levels of immersion: audiovisual, physical, and full-body, significantly enhancing users’ sense of presence and realism in virtual environments. This advancement provides a foundational technical framework for seamless human–machine cohabitation in mixed-reality settings.

Abstract

Humanity is at the forefront of yet another digital revolution, where the lines between real and virtual worlds are dissolving, reshaping how we perceive and interact with our surroundings. In this context, we introduce a transformative paradigm for immersive virtual experiences centered around whole-body kinetic interactions. Our approach redefines immersion through three distinct levels: audio-visual immersion, capturing sensory realism; physical immersion, delivering haptic feedback; and full-body immersion (FBI), where dynamic bodily interaction integrates seamlessly with virtual environments. At the core of this innovation lies a scalable, distributable platform based on modular robotic surface units inspired by the adaptive designs of nature. These units enable the rendering of immersive environments at any scale, from intimate personal experiences to expansive multi-user settings, dynamically adapting to interactions in real-time. The modular system distributes force, shape, and motion feedback throughout entire spaces, replicating the physical characteristics of the environment and enabling new depth of engagement through FBI. By combining scalability, adaptability, and dynamic physical engagement, this framework bridges the gap between real and virtual worlds. It offers an unprecedented level of immersion where users can engage their entire bodies in symbiotic interactions with the virtual space. This work not only advances immersive technology but also redefines how humans and virtual environments coexist, setting a foundation for a new era of human-environment synthesis.

Problem

• full-body immersion
• virtual reality
• human-environment interaction
• immersive technology
• kinetic interaction

Innovation

• full-body immersion
• modular robotic surfaces
• haptic feedback
• scalable immersive platform
• human-environment synthesis