Wheelchair Virtual Reality Simulator ERA: A Real to Virtual Interface Investigation

Wheelchair users face significant mobility challenges, requiring innovative solutions to enhance accessibility. Virtual reality (VR) simulators offer a promising approach; however, existing systems are often costly and application-specific. This study focuses on advancing the ERA system, an open-source, modular, and cost-effective VR wheelchair simulator designed for diverse applications. The primary objective is to integrate real wheelchair tracking within the virtual environment, while the secondary objective is to generate comparative data between virtual and real wheelchair use. A between-subjects experimental design was conducted with 10 participants divided into two groups of five. Each group navigated a predefined path within a 9m × 7m virtual classroom using either a fully virtual wheelchair or a real wheelchair equipped with a VR controller for position and orientation tracking. Performance metrics, including task completion time, total displacement, and total rotation, were analyzed. Findings indicate that the VR controller provides a viable tracking solution, and the collected data offer valuable insights for enhancing the ERA system’s interface and simulation fidelity.