VRow-VRow-VRow-Your-Boat: A Toolkit for Integrating Commodity Ergometers in Virtual Reality Experiences

Dominik Schön, Thomas Kosch, Julius von Willich, Max Mühlhäuser, Sebastian Günther

Abstract: Exergames, video games designed to blend entertainment with physical activity, aim to improve users’ physical fitness by combining gaming with exercise. However, integrating exercise equipment, such as rowers, bikes, and ski ergometers into Virtual Reality (VR) environments remains challenging. In this poster, we introduce a toolkit that simplifies the integration of ergometers into Unity-based projects. Researchers can access detailed ergometer data for logging and use inside their projects, while our toolkit handles tedious tasks, like connection-handling or parsing. VRow offers valuable support for creating immersive and interactive fitness experiences.