A new startup called Augmented Climbing Wall won’t win a Pulitzer for its name any time soon.
But it may win some awards for ingenious use of augmented reality, aka virtual reality’s sexier, more accessible younger sister, in which advanced holographic renderings are projected into real-world spaces rather than a cumbersome pair of space goggles. If you’ve played Pokémon Go, you’ve used it.
Unsurprisingly, Augmented Climbing Wall uses the technology to project climbing routes and interactive games onto a climbing wall in one of four interesting ways:
Augmented Problems: In climbing parlance, “problem” is simply a word for a tricky routes. A good training tool for new climbers, this setting allows users to attempt to “solve” the best problems the interface can muster.
Whack-a-Bat: Basically a vertical game of whack-a-mole, but subbing in virtual bats for moles.
Sparks: A static or randomized pattern of lights that you have to work through in succession.
Climball: A two-player game in which a two climbers bat around a projected ball using their hands and feet.
Right now, the ACW is available exclusively at three gyms in Finland, although they’re also happy to send you a quote if you’re interested in putting one in the basement.
Hope you’ve got high ceilings.
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