Recently, the University of Technology and Humanities in Bielsko-Biała(ATH) established a lab that provides courses related to human-computer interaction(HHCI with the adoption of a VR treadmill - the original KAT Walk C.

Modern VR simulation in academia is powered by advanced hardware like the KAT WALK C omnidirectional treadmill. This device supports a natural walking experience and allows users to perform a wide range of actions—including sprinting, jumping, bending, squatting, and kneeling—within virtual environments. Features such as customizable friction and haptic feedback further enhance realism, making these treadmills ideal for educational applications and research. With these technological tools, universities can offer students hands-on, interactive learning experiences that closely simulate real-world scenarios.

Students can learn the new ways of HMI in this course not only with some traditional technologies, but also with the newest inventions like VR headset, VR controllers, as well as recently one of the KAT's VR treadmills - KAT Walk C, as shown in the picture above. The combination of VR technologies into an ultimate immersion and interaction setup brings a deeper experience of HMI and provides a better level of understanding to the lucky students who get the chance to test it out. During the class, they can dive entirely into the VR world and experience it in full, now that body and foot movement can be tracked, and you can FEEL the virtual world under your feet!

Universities are transforming their curricula by integrating VR treadmills, which offer immersive learning experiences that traditional education cannot match. In academic labs, especially those focused on fire protection and safety engineering, VR treadmills allow students and trainees to actively participate in realistic simulations of real-world scenarios. This hands-on approach enables users to practice essential skills, experiment with different responses, and learn from immediate feedback, all within a safe and controlled environment. By bridging the gap between theory and practice, VR treadmills are reshaping how educational content is delivered and experienced in higher education.

VR treadmills are also revolutionizing workplace safety training by allowing users to move naturally through realistic, risk-free simulations. Trainees can practice identifying hazards and safe behaviors—such as avoiding dangerous “line of fire” positions—in a controlled environment. This immersive approach boosts engagement, improves safety awareness, and better prepares participants for real-world situations.

More and more new ways of application of VR treadmills have shown us the countless possibilities that open when we add the extra layer of realism. Not only does it bring an immersive and realistic VR gaming experience to the VR zealots, but it also brings new advantages to the modern approach to science, training many other fields. Regardless of whether it comes to disaster evacuation drills or HMI education, KAT VR's equipment allows you to experience more, improve your results, and achieve maximum efficiency in a safe, infinite, and well-controlled environment that still feels like an experience in real life. We are looking forward to seeing more innovations, which will be coming soon!