VR Robotics Simulator News

• Fixed fencing not snapping together properly
  
• Changed default placement mode to fine
  
• Increased max slider value for lerp* speeds to 40 and set default to 20
  
• Fixed not being able to move/turn while wand menu is open
  
• Fixed copy object command disabling clone on instantiation
  
• Fixed hide object command not working
  

*lerp = Linear Interpolation, the speed at which an object moves to "catch up" with where the laser is pointing at the floor

It is time to bring VRRS out of Early Access. My original goal was to create a program that would allow users to create basic robot cells and perform simple reach studies in virtual reality. I feel that I am at a point where this goal has been achieved.

I started the development of VRRS with no prior experience in 3D game development or modelling, and looking back I think this was a very ambitious project for my first application. Like most novice developers, I have learned a lot from my first release, and I want to thank all the people who downloaded VRRS and provided feedback. I tried my best to create an accessible application to allow users to explore robotics in VR without expensive subscription fees and licensing costs, so I hope this humble contribution to the body of work surrounding VR robotics will help at least a few people.

As for what the future holds, I want to develop an actual 2D game. VR development has been an amazing experience but the time constraints I have now preclude any further serious development on VR applications. I will be sticking around, if you have any major issues or changes requests, please feel free to send me an email at [email protected].

Thank you all for supporting us indie developers! Without people willing to invest in early access programs a lot of us wouldn't be around. Take care of yourselves, and good luck with whatever path lies before you.

New Features

• Added ability to lock player at current height from Tools menu
  
• Added option to make all surfaces traversable for imported models
  
• Added slider to set smooth turn speed
  
• Added comfort vignette option (under User settings)
  
• Added new Space Colosseum scene
  

Bug Fixes

• Fixed rendering issue in factory scene where menus didn’t render properly with the building windows behind
  
• Fixed bug where wand hints would disappear after looking at them
  
• Fixed issue with copy object hint getting stuck on
  
• Fixed issue with free placement mode send object to max placement distance erroneously
  
• Fixed issue where player gets sent to scene origin before loading new scene
  
• Fixed bug in Player Rig startup sequence that caused head follower collider to not initialize
  
• Fixed bug where player height was being set erroneously in Direct movement mode, causing Player to jump up on objects
  
• Fixed issue with multi threaded import control not completing if model had invalid data
  
• Fixed model import symbol not staying upright when facing player
  
• Fixed player not falling through gap in first floor in Outpost scene
  
• Fixed re-import function sending model to origin not current loaded position
  
• Fixed smooth turning not working when enabled
  
• Fixed model loading synchronous mode instead of async by default
  
• Fixed text that displays Info/Warning/Error message on wand
  
• Fixed issue where model import thread would not exit properly if model file failed to import
  
• Fixed bug with application version text not showing in Rotunda scene selection screen
  
• Fixed restore defaults not working for advanced import options
  
• Fixed cell doors not opening when triggered by wand
  
• Fixed training room screen selection buttons not working
  
• Fixed issue where imported models Z axis not aligned with faceplate rotation axis
  

Changes

• Removed buttons for covered cargo crates and space ship (not used anymore)
  
• Adjusted confort vignette to work at lower linear speeds
  
• Changed Auto Scale to Scale To Player. Makes model same size as player regardless of scale settings on saved model
  
• Disabled selection ring on model import spawn point object
  
• Disable layout autosave function in lobby scene
  
• Disable Auto Scale to Player by default
  
• When loading layout, reset all scale flags between each model load (scale up/down and auto scale detect)
  
• Added button to dismiss import error sign
  
• Improved model load failed messaging & control
  
• Reposition scene origin in Abstract scene away from center tree
  
• Disabled manipulating faceplate-attached objects with laser - must use hand or pendant
  
• Minor changes to training screens - some may still reference deprecated material
  

Hello all! I wanted to get these updates out there while I continue working on some of the other issues. Please see the major known issues at the end of the list. As always, if you have any problems please feel free to reach out. [email protected]. Thanks!

New Features

• Made model importing run asynchronously to main thread
  
• Added tooltips on UI buttons
  
• Added advanced import settings screen
  
• Added option to use mesh colliders on import instead of bounding box collider
  

Bug Fixes

• Fixed issue where models could block main menu laser pointer when close to player
  
• Fixed sample palm tree missing trunk
  
• Fixed placeable selection ring not showing in Outpost scene
  
• Fixed issue where laser pointer turned on briefly when releasing held object
  
• Fixed issue where loading certain saved scenes would fail if there were existing base objects in the scene (e.g. SciFi)
  
• Fixed issue where simply touching an object would cause it to be picked up by player
  
• Fixed issue where skybox would not save properly in certain scenes, such as Orbiting Outpost
  
• Fixed issue where importing model as terrain had gravity enabled by default
  
• Fixed bug where joystick wand hint gets stuck on
  
• Fixed issue with copy object hint getting stuck on
  
• Fixed issue with layer masking when placing positioners
  
• Fixed issue with free placement mode send object to max placement distance erroneously
  
• Fixed incorrect labels on demo scenes
  
• Fixed issue where player gets sent to scene origin before loading new scene
  
• Fixed issue with Delta MH demo not loading properly
  
• Fixed bug in Player Rig startup sequence that caused head follower collider to not initialize
  
• Fixed bug where player hegith was being set erroneously in Direct movement mode, causing Player to jump up on objects
  
• Fixed player able to move in direct motion while Teach Pendant open
  

Changes

• Removed covered cargo crates sample object
  
• Changed object pickup scheme to better detect when hovering over objects
  
• Changed laser pointer model movement to allow Z rotation with wand while placing
  
• Auto remove cameras on existing models on import
  
• Check scene file for multiple references to same model and create clone instead of re-importing
  
• Moved measure tools cancel button to menu button instead of grip to avoid erroneous cancellation on Index
  
• Minor optimizations to robot controller state machine
  
• Added rollback option to v2.05 in betas tab in Steam. This is prior to the async load and wand grabbing changes.
  
• Changed Import As options
  
• Displayed auto scale detection messages on wand
  
• Added restore defaults button for Import Options
  
• Removed Import As Scene option, no longer used
  
• Made terrain models traversable via Teleport
  
• Fixed issue with deleting robot arms and positioners
  
• Fixed issue where it was too easy to cancel delete mode with Index wand grip squeeze
  
• Disabled jogging of positioners using wand, must use Teach Pendant
  
• Removed Scene menu as scene layout has changed
  
• Adjusted comfort vignette to work at lower linear speeds
  

Known Issues

• When picking up attached part by laser pointer, object is not re-parented to faceplate
  
• Conveyor settings screen opacity issues
  
• Training room buttons not working
  
• Might not be able to open robot cell doors
  
• Waypoint erase mode only deletes one waypoint
  
• Waypoint type menu and toolbelt still buggy
  

VR Devices:

• Added support for Valve Index
  
• Added support for WMR
  
• Upgraded Steam VR interaction system
  
• Added grip force sense setting for Valve Index wand grips
  

Bug fixes

• Fixed bug with conveyor dispensers causing robot program to fail
  
• Fixed display issues with conveyor settings screens
  
• Fixed issues with UI toggles on Model screen not working
  
• Fixed issue where flight mode UI sound not obeying UI FX toggle
  
• Fixed issue with wand grip manipulation jump on initial grab
  
• Fixed model flying away when grabbed by laser pointer
  
• Fixed issue with sending selected model to spawn point
  

Changes

• Changed Teach Pendant rotation mode to continuous rotation
  
• Allowed use of commas in manual numeric scaling for integral digits, use full stop for fractional part
  
• Changed flight mode enable sound
  
• Changed error sound file
  
• Disabled ability to trigger tool with grip while in IK mode
  
• Removed tractor locomotion type
  
• Changed blink locomotion to SteamVR teleport
  
• Remodelled army base scene
  
• Removed flashlight
  
• Removed screenshot control - use SteamVR/Oculus screenshot control now
  
• Removed toggle floor visibility function
  
• Added independent axis rotation for props
  
• Reduced build size and performance
  
• Added indicator for currently selected model (pointer laser to select, point to floor to deselect)
  
• Allowed negative scaling to prevent models disappearing with zero scale
  
• Improvements to how transparent materials are handled on import
  
• Added wand hints (can be disabled in User menu)
  
• Added ability to reset robot faults by clicking on alarm icon above arm
  
• Disallowed scaling of items such as robots, positioners and conveyors
  
• Keep robots, conveyors and positioners vertical when double-wand manipulating
  
• Display error and info messages on right wand (not all have been ported yet)
  

• Updates
  

• Updated model loader
  
• Added three new display environments
  

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at [email protected]. New website will be up soon!