EXCAP

Full-body tracking in VR has usually meant a trade-off. Base-station systems involve hardware and setup, while IMU-based trackers are simpler but can drift or pick up magnetic interference over long sessions. Elecholic Tech's EXCAP aims to sit between the two by fusing inertial sensing with optical correction. According to the maker, it needs no base stations or complicated configuration and holds its tracking accuracy over extended use.

How the hybrid approach works

The maker describes EXCAP as an optical-inertial system that uses a camera to calibrate tracker positions automatically, so users don't have to recalibrate by hand. Each tracker also has a programmable RGB light. The company says the lights are partly decorative and also serve as visual markers that improve tracking precision.

• IMU mode: simple, lightweight tracking
• IMU + magnetometer mode: magnetometer correction for better accuracy
• IMU + optical mode: optical calibration, which the maker says gives the highest accuracy

Hardware

Each tracker weighs 25g, and the maker quotes battery life of up to 50 hours. The trackers have a built-in vibration unit for real-time haptic feedback, which the company says makes interactions in virtual spaces more intuitive.

Software and compatibility

EXCAP is designed for PC VR titles and platforms including VRChat, SteamVR and NeosVR, as well as VTubing and live streaming. A companion app, EXCAP Studio, handles tracker status, calibration previews and RGB settings. Looking further ahead, the maker suggests the system could find uses in professional rehabilitation and sports training.