Clearpath, Christie Join Forces to Create 3D, Augmented Reality Videogame with Robots

Canadian robotics firm Clearpath worked with visual technologies company Christie to create a three-dimensional videogame based around robots.

The pairing of Clearpath and Christie “bridges two technologies, from unrelated fields, to create an interactive experience in a way that has never been done before,” according to the Kitchener-based startup.

Computer graphics were displayed on the floor using Christie’s 3D projection mapping equipment to create a digital arena, while robots dueled with laser beams.

“Teaming up with Christie allowed us to experiment with the latest 3D projection mapping technology in combination with our Jackal robots and open source software. This was our recipe for an augmented reality video game,” said Ryan Gariepy, cofounder of Clearpath Robotics. “Combining both of our technologies resulted in a one-of-a-kind experience that was fun to work on and even more fun to play with.”

Utilizing Christie’s overhead 3D projectors, the Clearpath team created an overlay under their Jackal unmanned ground vehicles to display weapons, recharging shields, hitpoints, and sound effects for a two player (or human vs. A.I.) game. Christie provided four HD14K-M 14,000 lumens 3DLP projectors and two cameras.