“What am I looking at?”
They stood in a room located two floors below ground level in Spelek Technologies’ research and development branch. This section of the facility was under high security, and all access was strictly controlled.
“Mr. Kraft, you are looking at the future, made possible by the merger of Skarkraft Industries and Spelek Technologies,” a young technician said.
Jim surveyed the youth and continued to analyze the lab taking in the cold air and the delicious smell of electronics. A lot was going on here, but the star of the show was a large oblong something in the middle of the room.
They stood in front of it, one tech off to the side with a small laptop, cables dangling which presumably connected to the thing and the guy trying his best to brief Jim, nerves apparent, waiting patiently for him to respond.
“Uh, Bob was it? No offense, but would you mind dispensing with the throat clearing and get to the point? No need to get in the weeds, but what is this thing and what does it do? Hell, it looks like a coffin?
“It’s Bart sir and yes sir. This is a full-scope virtual reality pod capable of feeding life-like computer simulations to an individual inside.”
“Go on.”
“Spelek’s VR gaming and recreational software has always been cutting edge and way ahead of its time. So much so, that until you came around sir, Skarkraft Industries that is, we didn’t have the hardware capable of keeping up with it. The software, I mean.”
Bart’s nerves were showing. He didn’t get many VIPs down in R&D, and this was Jim Kraft himself, but he pushed ahead, gaining momentum.
“The problem has always been how much information a user can observe and understand. That information had to be delivered via sound, sight, and touch.”
He gestured with his free hand as he spoke, indicating his ear and his eyes.
“And smell?” Jim asked.
“Uh yeah and smell. Actually, haven’t given much thought to smell. We’ll have to look into that.”
“Okay, so while I’ve been figuring out how to get my tech inside the user giving them an advanced portable highly sophisticated VR and information sharing system you guys went completely opposite. You put humans inside the tech.”
Jim let the statement hang in the air.
Bob swallowed, “yes.”
Jim smiled and saw Bart relax.
“I like it! Show me how it works.”
“Yes, sir! It’s not dissimilar to the SK8 gen(3) except as you pointed out it differs in its implementation. We’ve applied the same neural bridge and sensor technology to this pod. Though, instead of surgically implanted or the external glue-on sensors like you guys were testing with last year, everything here is handled in the pod and by the pod. Would you like to try it out? We’ve got a short simulation already cued up.”
“I’d love to.”
Bart and the other tech went to work. The tech fiddled on his laptop with confidant keystrokes, and Bart gave Jim an explanation of what was happening, then showed him where he could change into a VR suit evidently made out of some type of conductive material. It covered his whole body except for his hands, feet, and head.
When they were ready, the top half of the pod opened, revealing a blue interior. Inside the length of the pod or coffin as Jim had called it measured seven feet with a width of four.
Bigger than I expected, Jim thought.
Bart helped him into the machine, and he settled down onto a soft yet firm bed of cool gel. He looked up and saw the same gel-like material lining the upper portion of the capsule.
Bart noticed Jim’s attention and said, “Photo-electric temperature adjustable gel-cells controlled by a network of interconnected micro-bots. To some degree, they can match temperatures appropriate to the sim as well as provide therapeutic support like encouraging blood flow through a sort of contraction massage. That’s still in beta. We’re working on a few other ideas like electric stimulation to simulate pain and shocking the muscles to mimic fatigue, but none of that has been implemented yet.”
“Really? How long are you expecting users to want to stay in this thing? Next thing you’ll be telling me is that you will be feeding them through a tube and taking care of the waste.”
“You’re not wrong. We’re working on that too. The waste part is easy, the feeding part is more complex. At this point, we think taking regular breaks to eat and sleep is a better solution than trying to stay plugged in for longer durations.”
“Jesus. Okay, make’s sense to me. What’s next? Do I just lay here?
“Yep. Just try and relax.”
“Do I get to wear a mask or something?” Jim looked around and didn’t see anything except the blue lining.
“No, the first thing that will happen once we boot up is the pod will map your body and leave an area around your head for air and sounds. Once it has done its thing, the gel will act as a second skin. It’s a little odd at first I’ll admit, but you get used to it quick enough. The suit you’re wearing is specially designed to limit skin abrasions and will help control sweat and humidity. You’ll find gloves and such right there for your feet hands.” Bart pointed at a bag hanging from the pod next to his shoulder.
He continued. “This pod will move and articulate based on situational requirements. When you’re on your feet, the pod will be upright and you’ll feel normal gravity. Just try and move naturally, and over time you’ll adjust. I think you’ll be surprised how fast you get used to everything.”
“Okay. You’re the boss.”
Bart flushed, and the top started to descend.
“Hey, wait a second,” Bart said to the other tech.
“Sorry, came a reply and the top returned to its open position.
Jim donned the slippers and gloves and gave a Bart thumbs up.
“Almost forgot. This might sound silly under the circumstances, but it’s protocol. Do you have any mobile devices like cell phones or other wearables on your person? If so, I’ll need to get those from you.”
Jim handed over his smartwatch, wondering if he should ask why.
He settled for an “Anything else I should know?”
“No, sir. That’s everything. If you have any other questions, just ask. You’ll have a direct line of communication with us once we get set in the control room.
The top of the pod started descending again, and the techs moved to the control room
The credit for the photo above goes to Scott Webb. Click on the link below for more information
Scott Webb
