Feel the Thud! A VR Robot That Actually Hits
Enter James Bruton
James Bruton is the YouTuber turned engineer who loves to turn a simple idea into a technological marvel. This time he’s teamed up with students from the University of Portsmouth’s Computer Games Technology faculty to create a robot that doesn’t just play a game—it plays the game for you.
The Big Idea
- It’s a gladiator‑style VR game where you fight a robot.
- When you swing a bat or block with a shield, the robot mimics your moves in real life.
- Robotic pneumatic arms swing and tilt, so the robot can swipe at your head just like the on‑screen opponent.
- Fail miserably in the game and you’ll feel a real blow—think of it as digital pain brought to life.
Why It’s not a Cheap Toy
The robot comes equipped with boxing gloves to keep the play safe, but the geeky part is the way it translates digital punches into physical impact. If you’re the kind of gamer who never really hits a target, this contraption will give you a literal lesson in reflexes.
Seriously? Safety First (or Maybe Not)
Because you’re glued to a Vive headset, you never see what’s going on to the robot’s glove area. That means a prankster could swap them for knives. We’re not giving official safety tips, but keep an eye on your hand!
Bottom Line
This VR robot brings a whole new dimension of “immersion.” It’s a hilarious reminder that when you’re playing a video game, the physical world can actually feel the consequences of your digital tests.
