HumanoidTurk, a system where a humanoid robot shakes a chair from behind in sync with a VR driving simulator

Researchers from GIST and the University of Colorado Boulder built HumanoidTurk, a VR driving feedback system that uses a humanoid robot to physically move a chair in sync with racing-game forces.

In tests with 16 participants, robot-driven and human-driven chair motion both made the experience feel more immersive and realistic than audio/video or controller vibration alone.

The system used a Unitree G1 robot, a chair-mounted marker, and VR racing in Assetto Corsa to recreate driving-related forces.

The robot version also raised concerns about comfort and simulator sickness, highlighting safety and usability challenges for full-body VR haptics.