VR Makes Self-Isolating A Walk In The Park

Tuesday, 31 March 2020 11:26

Homebound islanders can now use virtual reality to get out for an afternoon walk.

The project has been created by Digital Jersey's Rory Steel to help islanders self-isolating during the coronavirus pandemic.

In January, the Jersey IT teacher made headlines around the world after using adaptive technologies to help his daughter play her favourite video games.

Now, he's used a panoramic video camera to capture a 360-degree virtual recreation of a stroll through Howard Davis Park.

He tells Channel 103 he was inspired after seeing a tweet from St Saviour Deputy Kevin Pamplin:

"I was just on social media and I saw Deputy Pamplin post that an elderly lady he knew was missing her walks at Howard Davis Park and the image kind of resonated with me. I'd previously tried to do a live event so I had the 360 camera lying around, and I thought 'I'll go on my normal walk for today, go to the park and take the camera and stick it up on YouTube."

Rory says he's been working with Jersey Cares to try and introduce the experience to residential homes to help elderly people unable to get out and about:

"I've had some people from care homes pick up the concept and they're going to try it out with some residents later on today. I'm excited to see what they might think of it. They've got access to some cheaper headsets already, so they should get a fully immersive experience in these times where it's difficult for many people to get out and about."

The first video from Howard Davis Park has been posted online, with more locations around the island due to follow.