Virtuix Inc. has announced the integration of AI-driven Gaussian splatting technology into its Virtual Terrain Walk system for defense sector training and simulation. This development represents a significant advancement in military preparedness by dramatically reducing the time required to create realistic virtual training environments.
Gaussian splatting is an AI-based 3D reconstruction technique that transforms real-world environments captured with 360-degree cameras into photorealistic, navigable 3D worlds. While creating high-fidelity virtual environments previously took months, AI-powered 3D reconstruction now completes this process in hours. This acceleration is particularly valuable for military applications where timely access to accurate terrain data can impact operational success.
The Virtual Terrain Walk system combines Virtuix's omni-directional treadmills with Gaussian splatting technology to enable commanders and units to physically walk through geo-specific terrain for mission planning, reconnaissance, and rehearsals. Units can walk in 360 degrees without boundaries to familiarize themselves with battlespaces, identify key areas, determine kill zones, place weapons, and mark routes. Virtuix demonstrated this capability in this video showing how mission areas can be recreated virtually in a fraction of the typical time.
"Creating realistic virtual environments has historically been a slow and labor-intensive process," said Jan Goetgeluk, Chief Executive Officer of Virtuix. "By integrating AI-driven Gaussian splatting into Virtual Terrain Walk, we can now scan real-world locations and quickly turn them into photorealistic virtual spaces that our warfighters can physically explore." The system supports collaboration across more than 12 stations locally or across geographies for multi-user mission planning and rehearsals, with adjustable conditions and enemy forces layered into simulations to create realistic combat scenarios.
This technology addresses limitations of current simulations that don't allow for physical movement and full 360-degree immersion. "The ability to iterate through scenarios and understand how environmental changes affect outcomes can significantly reduce the potential for error on the modern battlefield," said Jay Miseli, a retired U.S. Army Colonel. Virtuix has already sold test units to Yokota Air Force Base, the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, and the U.S. Air Force Academy.
The company demonstrated VTW's capabilities at I/ITSEC, the world's largest annual modeling, simulation, and training conference, alongside partners Cesium (owned by Bentley Systems) and HTC. The demonstration illustrated how AI-based terrain reconstruction combines with Cesium's geospatial data and immersive virtual reality hardware to support large geo-specific, physically navigable virtual environments.
Beyond defense applications, Virtuix sees opportunities for AI-driven Gaussian splatting in industrial and safety training, real estate visualization, and law enforcement. The company also plans to incorporate the technology into its Omni One at-home gaming system, which has driven a 138% increase in sales since its official launch in late 2024. This integration represents a core element of Virtuix's long-term growth strategy, complementing consumer sales with high-margin enterprise and defense opportunities including recurring revenues from software licensing and customized simulation development.
"We believe AI-driven 3D reconstruction technologies like Gaussian splatting are foundational to the future of virtual reality," Goetgeluk said. "They have the potential to deliver the full promise of the VR medium across entertainment, enterprise, and defense applications." The company's progress follows its recent public listing on Nasdaq, providing capital to advance these technologies that could transform how military personnel train and how consumers experience virtual reality.
