"brilliant!" - pitch judge
The natural, fluid way to navigate in any direction

HoboLoco(TM) is a game controller operated with two feet that can replace or augment a keyboard, mouse or gamepad for interacting with a video game, virtual reality, or remote control devices.

Although it was invented to provide an alternative for locomotion with immersive virtual reality in mind, our device has many more applications. For those veterans and others who have lost use of their hands, but can flex their feet, the device enables them to engage in video games otherwise inaccessible to them. And there's more ... just as organists and drivers use their feet in addition to their hands, we believe HoboLoco will become an essential tool for all gamers who want to enhance their speed and gaming experience.

You'd be crazy to ask a drummer to play their instruments without using their feet and we just assume this was always the case, but it wasn't until hi-hats and spring-loaded bass pedals were invented. But, if you ask a gamer why they haven't been using their feet when they are engaging in play, they'd probably give you a quizzical look. Why? We think it is because a useful device didn't exist. HoboLoco is about to change that. We are providing tools to take gaming to the next level.

​Currently available preset profiles include the following:
Mouse:

• Movement only
• Movement and 2 buttons

FPS Games:

• Black Ops 3 Zombies
• Call of Duty
• Counter Strike Global Offensive
• Dark Souls 3
• Fallout 4
• Fortnite - PS4/PC
• Forza Horizon 4
• Halo Reach
• League Of Legends
• Minecraft
• Overwatch
• Payday 2
• Postal 2
• Postal 4 No Regerts
• PUBG
• State of Decay 2
• Team Fortress 2

Sit and navigate​
​Our first version looks a bit like a “hoverboard” without wheels. The device is positioned on the floor in front of a seated user. The device employs a unique scheme of navigation control that requires little effort to move an avatar or point of view in any direction and to control actions. Haptic feedback gives the user a sense of movement. Standard HID protocols (keyboard & mouse) enable communication over USB or Bluetooth. Users and developers are able to customize the operation of the device for various games.

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​Rotating locomotion in VR​
​VR users will use the same hoverboard control scheme while immersed in a virtual world. The controller can be incorporated into a rotating platform on which a user stands or into a rotating chair in which a user sits. The video to the left is from a University of Texas at Dallas engineering capstone team we sponsored. The team demonstrated the concept with an HTC Vive game. The device they built sends locomotion commands to the game corresponding to the position of the user's feet. The platform rotates to the same degree as the virtual perspective so the vestibular and visual systems match in order to minimize VR sickness.

using wireless HTC Vive Pro

the problem

October 2017 - I was trying to figure out a potential Virtual Reality exhibit for Sci-Tech Discovery Center. In the process of educating myself about the latest in VR, I learned about virtual reality's "locomotion problem" - how do you control your movements in a virtual world without running into real walls or breaking immersion. 

the idea

November 2017 - during the previous summer I had seem my nephew gliding around on a hoverboard. It occurred to me that the hoverboard control scheme could be implemented in a device to control a virtual world. Just press your toes down to go forward, heels down to back up, and a simple mix of toe and heel to rotate. With this device you can guide an avatar walking, riding, or driving. Vibrators embedded in the footpads could be used to give the user a sense of movement.

the patent

Jan 18, 2018 - An application for a utility patent was filed for a Virtual Reality Locomotion Device in the US. A PCT has been filed to pursue international protection.

April 30, 2019 - US Utility patent 10,275,019 was issued to HoboLoco Inc.

​A continuation-in-part has also been filed to cover additional subject matter and claims. Among the anticipated applications for this invention are remote control of robots, guidance of motorized wheelchairs, therapeutic applications, and video games.