SlimeVR Tracker Demo - Full-Body Movement in VR Without A Base Station!

Virtual reality (VR) is now a big deal in tech, and there's a growing interest in accurate, immersive full-body tracking. At Teardown 2024 we checked out SlimeVR, a budget-friendly and wireless option for VR fans and developers. SlimeVR gives you a comfy 360° tracking experience without the mess of wires or base stations, making high-level VR tracking easier to get into. Give SlimeVR a try and upgrade your VR game today. Take a look at our hands-on demo and interview with the SlimeVR team below:

How Does SlimeVR Work?

The system uses ESP32 sensors and Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs) to track your movements. These sensors are strategically placed on your body and communicate wirelessly via Wi-Fi to your PC. By capturing the rotation and position of each sensor, SlimeVR creates a detailed and responsive skeleton model that moves seamlessly with you.

SlimeVR Full-Body Tracking (FBT) provides simple, effective tracking of your body and limbs in VR games and other applications. It makes full-body tracking comfortable and affordable by leveraging high-quality inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensors and a Wi-Fi connection to your PC rather than wires, cameras, or base stations.

Taking the lower-body set as an example, five trackers—one on each thigh, another on each ankle, and a fifth at the chest—are enough to get the job done. Each tracker monitors its own rotation in space, and SlimeVR software uses your proportions and headset location to calculate joint angles and estimate limb positions. In more technical terms, SlimeVR relies on absolute-orientation sensors, a configurable skeleton model, and forward kinematics. The result is like having virtual Vive trackers at key locations on your body.

The base set of five trackers is sufficient to cover lower-body movement (legs and waist) and is widely supported by VR games and applications. VRChat, NeosVR, and LIV can use additional SlimeVR trackers to monitor the position and rotation of your feet, knees, elbows, chest, and more, enhancing your VR experience by allowing full-body movement and expression.

SlimeVR - Key Features

Wireless and Comfortable

SlimeVR offers a completely wireless setup, allowing you to move freely without the constraints of cables. The lightweight sensors are easy to wear, providing comfort even during extended VR sessions.

Compatibility

SlimeVR is compatible with a wide range of platforms and applications, including VRChat, NeosVR, and Blade & Sorcery. This versatility ensures that you can enjoy full-body tracking across your favorite VR experiences.

Long Battery Life

With over 15 hours of playtime on a single charge, SlimeVR's built-in 1200 mAh battery ensures that your VR adventures are not cut short. The USB Type-C charging port makes recharging quick and convenient.

Ease of Use

Setting up SlimeVR is straightforward, with a user-friendly process that allows you to get started quickly. The system also features intuitive recalibration options to maintain accuracy during use.

As an open-source project, SlimeVR invites community-driven improvements and customizations. This open nature allows users to tweak and enhance their tracking experience, contributing to the ongoing development of the system.

SlimeVR - Detailed Technical Insights

SlimeVR's full-body tracking system is built on robust technical components that ensure accurate and responsive movement tracking. At its core, SlimeVR utilizes ESP32 sensors and Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs) to capture detailed motion data.

Here is what the guts of a Slime look like outside of a case

The ESP32 is a powerful microcontroller with integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities, making it ideal for wireless communication. Each ESP32 sensor is paired with an IMU, which measures rotational movement and acceleration. These sensors are placed at key points on the body, such as the thighs, ankles, and chest, to create a comprehensive skeleton model.

One of the primary technical challenges in full-body tracking is synchronization and latency. SlimeVR addresses these challenges through efficient networking code and real-time data processing. The system minimizes latency to ensure that movements are captured and transmitted with minimal delay, providing a smooth and natural VR experience.

As an open-source project, SlimeVR benefits from continuous improvements and contributions from the SlimeVR community. The open-source code is available on GitHub, where developers can collaborate, identify issues, and implement enhancements. This collaborative approach accelerates the development process and ensures that the system remains up-to-date with the latest advancements in VR technology.

SlimeVR - Use Cases and Applications

SlimeVR's full-body tracking system opens up a wide range of applications, significantly enhancing VR experiences and providing valuable tools for developers.

VRChat

In VRChat, SlimeVR allows users to fully immerse themselves in the virtual world. By tracking the entire body, users can express themselves more naturally, moving their legs, torso, and arms freely. This added level of interaction makes social experiences in VRChat more engaging and lifelike.

Motion Capture for Game Development

Game developers can use SlimeVR for motion capture, a process typically associated with high costs and complex setups. SlimeVR provides an affordable alternative that captures accurate body movements, which can be used to create realistic animations for characters in games. This capability is particularly beneficial for indie developers and small studios looking to produce high-quality content on a budget.

Enhancing VR Experiences

Beyond social VR and game development, SlimeVR enhances any VR experience by enabling full-body movement and expression. Whether you are dancing, practicing martial arts, or participating in fitness activities, SlimeVR captures your movements in real-time, making virtual interactions feel more authentic and immersive.

SlimeVR - DIY Kit and Customization

For those who enjoy hands-on projects and customization, SlimeVR offers a DIY kit. This kit allows users to build their own full-body trackers, providing a cost-effective and educational experience.

The DIY kit includes all the necessary components, such as ESP32 sensors and IMUs, along with detailed instructions on assembly and setup. Users can customize their trackers to suit their specific needs, experimenting with different configurations and enhancements.

To assist with the DIY process, SlimeVR provides comprehensive resources, including a detailed DIY guide and community support through forums and social media. These resources make it easier for users to successfully build and customize their trackers, contributing to the growing community of SlimeVR enthusiasts.

The SlimeVR tracker DIY kit. Available on Crowd Supply.

Community and Support

SlimeVR is supported by a vibrant and active community of developers and enthusiasts. This community plays a crucial role in the ongoing development and improvement of the project, contributing code, providing feedback, and sharing their experiences.

The open-source nature of SlimeVR means that anyone can contribute to its development. The project's code is hosted on GitHub, where users can report issues, submit pull requests, and collaborate on new features. This collaborative approach ensures that SlimeVR remains at the cutting edge of VR tracking technology.

In addition to GitHub, the SlimeVR community is active on Discord, where members can ask questions, share tips, and discuss ideas. This platform provides a valuable resource for both new and experienced users, offering support and fostering a sense of camaraderie among VR enthusiasts.

Whether you are looking to build your own tracker, contribute to the codebase, or simply learn more about SlimeVR, the community and support resources available make it easy to get involved and stay connected.

SlimeVR - Final Thoughts

SlimeVR offers a game-changing solution for VR enthusiasts and developers, bringing affordable and accurate full-body tracking to a wider audience. With its wireless design, long battery life, and ease of use, SlimeVR enhances virtual reality experiences by providing natural and immersive movement tracking.

The open-source nature of the project invites continuous improvements and innovations from a passionate community, ensuring that SlimeVR remains at the forefront of VR technology. Whether you are looking to enhance your social interactions in VRChat, develop realistic motion capture for game development, or simply explore the possibilities of full-body tracking, SlimeVR provides the tools and support you need.

Join the growing community of SlimeVR users and start exploring the future of virtual reality today!