Sado Rabaudi & Dan Tinkham
WorldViz presents its 2023 update to cost considerations for VR hardware, software and application development for scientists looking to start or upgrade their VR research lab.
SANTA BARBARA, Calif., June 21, 2022 - WorldViz is pleased to present its “2023 Budgeting Guidelines for Scientific VR Labs”. Designed for scientists interested in conducting VR research, this updated guide not only discusses the latest VR headsets such as the HP Reverb G2 Omnicept, HTC VIVE Pro 2, Oculus Quest 2 and Varjo VR-3, but also covers 3D projection, rendering computers, motion tracking and other sensors, VR software, facilities, personnel, installation, training and support.
We give you an overview and also show you typical examples of total system costs at different levels. Whether you are just starting out and looking for the most cost effective way to get up and running or preparing to make a large investment to build a state of the art VR facility, this information is for you to get a successful start. For specific pricing information, or to discuss your project with our experts, please email us at sales@worldviz.com or request a quote. For technical details, please refer to How Do I Setup A Virtual Reality Lab?
When you pencil out what you will need for a proper VR project, there are some important building blocks to consider. First, will you be using a VR headset or a VR projection system, or both? Second, you’ll need a rendering computer with ample graphics capabilities, and possible wide-area motion tracking and other sensor systems such as eye tracking or biofeedback. Third, you’ll need VR software for creating and rendering your applications. Last but not least, you’ll want to think about your facilities, personnel, installation, training and support. Here is an overview of each component to give you an idea of what you may want to spend.
Primary VR Headset Displays used in VR Scientific Labs
How to Decide which VR Headset is Right for You
In our experience we have seen the Oculus Quest 2, Vive Pro Eye and HP Reverb G2 Omicept Edition being the primary headset utilized by academic and commercial virtual reality labs.
The Oculus Quest 2 is the most cost effective solution and has the benefit of being able to run either tethered to a PC for high performance or independently as a completely wireless device, either with its own independent operating system (based off of Android) or by using Air Link, a wireless streaming solution for use in combination with a PC.
Here is a detailed breakdown of the specifications of these three primary headsets:
HP Reverb G2 Omnicept Edition
HTC Vive Pro Eye
Meta Oculus Quest 2
Additional “Prosumer” VR Headsets
Specialty VR Headsets
210 FOV/ Eye tracking/ Auto IPD/ Vive Base Station “outside-in” tracking
180 FOV 8K / Eye tracking / Auto IPD / Built in LEAP Motion Support / Lighthouse tracking
70 PPD in center / Eye tracking /Lighthouse tracking/ Built in UltraLeap Hand Tracking
Varjo’s AR version of the VR-3
12k Version expected in Q4 2022 - 8K Plus, 8K X - 14 PPD / 5K Plus, 5K XR / Artisan / Lighthouse external tracking / 170-200 FOV
Full Projection Systems (including rendering computer and all supporting components)
Direct View LED
Rendering Computer and Graphics
Hardware - Tracking
Hardware - Sensors
Sensor is the hardware to record or input additional data about users or environment. It can influence an application directly or provide researchers with more context for participants. Sensors are use case specific and primarily utilized in research applications.
Typical sensor functionality and pricing:
Hardware - Motion Capture
Motion capture technology can play an important role in both VR production as well as specialty VR research applications. For production, “MoCap” is a valuable tool for generating human avatar animations in the development of video games, training applications, social scenarios and more. For researchers, motion capture technology provides necessary data for extremity tracking applications in the fields of kinesiology, sports sciences, and neuroscience.
Some of the most popular professional motion capture system manufacturers include:
Pricing can vary but we would recommend budgeting at least $25,000 to cover hardware and software costs for a single user motion capture system.
A low cost alternative to traditional professional motion capture systems is the Vive Tracker 3.0 which is used with the Vive Base Station tracking system. A minimum of three Vive Tracker 3.0 plus specialized straps is around $400 USD (not including the base station / Vive system). This article covers how the Vive Base Station + Vive Tracker can be used as a MoCap alternative.
Real Time Rendering Software
Game engines:
Scientific engines:
Optional 3D modeling tools:
Facilities
Depending on research or presentation goals, your existing facilities might need to be modified somewhat to fit a VR lab or a demo room. Facilities cost can be as low as zero if a fitting room is already available. If re-modeling is needed, it can be a substantial budget, typically $10k to $100k.
Personnel
At least one person is in charge and appointed to be the go-to person for any changes, updates or technical questions. We recommend a small team of 2 or 3 people fully or partially in charge of the VR system, specifically if they are used by a large group of users.
Installation
A small ready-to-use system like a laptop + VR headset or the WorldViz Vizbox does not require installation. It’s portable and made to work “out of the box”. Large systems like projection setups require substantial work. Installation cost also depends on location for travel cost and time.
Training
Typical systems come with a minimum of ½ day training. For a group of new users, we recommend 1 ~ 4 days of on-site or remote training depending on system complexity and goals.
Support
Most WorldViz systems come with a one year hardware warranty and Silver level support- access to a ticket based support system with less than 24 hour turnaround time. Extension of support agreements are dependent on complexity of the supported setup and hardware.
VR Application can be done in house or outsourced by hiring a company like WorldViz. Phases of VR development includes:
VR Application Development - Graphics
Assets can be purchased from Sketchfab, Turbosquid, Unity Store, 3D Warehouse and more. Many purchased assets require a clean up. Prices range from $10 ~ $1,000.
In house or hiring 3D artists for custom graphic development for conversion of CAD models to VR ready assets, Photogrammetry or traditional modeling by hand.
VR Application Development - Programming
Many modules and example scripts exist in online tutorials, i.e. WorldViz provides demo source codes. Leverage student programmers or your own programming team. WorldViz programming services can be hired at an hourly rate. Most popular VR programming languages:
Custom Development - Hiring A Studio
Cost for “soup-to-nuts” custom application development can vary widely. When existing resources can be used or purchased cheaply, the minimum cost for a from scratch projects can often start around $15,000. If art needed to be custom produced, a typical project costs between $50,000 ~ $100,000. Budgets can go up from there depending on requirements.
Typical VR Project Budgeting Examples
Low Cost System - Barebone DIY Budget - $1, 500
Commercial Integrated System Budget Options - $8,000 ~ $20,000
Projection and Specialty System Budget - $50,000 ~ $75,000
Fully integrated projection system with installation - $50,000 ~ $75,000
For specific pricing information please email WorldViz at sales@worldviz.com or request a quote HERE.
