Science expo gets off to a virtual flying start

Shanghai’s 5th Popular Science Products Expo, which kicks off today, will be a world of artificial intelligence, virtual and augmented reality.

Visitors can see what an astronaut sees in a Shenzhou spacecraft, fly an aeroplane or gasp in awe at bird’s-eye views over Shanghai.

Jingmin Digital Machine, a Shenzhen-based company, has a Shenzhou VII VR simulator at the exhibition. It provides an immersive space travel experience from launch to return.

“Users can explore the Moon, visit Mars and return safely to Earth,” said Zeng Debin, a Jingmin executive.

Zeng told Shanghai Daily that besides this simulator, the VR products he brought the exhibition included a plane, a hot-air balloon and skydiving.

Visitors can also watch the firing of a Long March carrier rocket and have a close look at the “rocket” via VR.

Hirain Group, a fledgling high-tech cultural innovation firm, provides a mini VR cinema with suspension seats on which experiencers can enjoy “flying” over Shanghai’s Lujiazui area and other magnificent local views. 

The seats shake from side to side and forward and back during the “flight.” 

Fengyuzhu Exhibition, a local exhibition planner, brought a mixed reality urban planning program to the exhibition. 

MR technology merges the real and virtual worlds in real time. The MR program includes a set of VR devices and a real city model. 

When the experiencers wear VR glasses, they see virtual objects on the model.