An omnidirectional treadmill device for supporting a VR experience includes a concave platform having a regular array of apertures in which ball bearing elements are installed, the array extending across the upper surface of the platform. The platform is supported by a frame connected to a freely rotatable body support to hold a user in a position above a central point of the platform. The combined use of the concave, ball-bearing covered platform and the body support allows the user freedom of movement in a way that allows their feet to roll on the floor of the platform in a way that feels natural. The user's movements are tracked and converted into joystick movements for the VR application.

The disclosed method comprises a hollow, spherical treadmill belt which envelops an internal treadmill deck. The belt is not held flat and under tension over the treadmill deck by being stretched tightly around it, but is instead loosely fit around the treadmill deck and is pulled flat and tensioned by a separate system comprising low-friction rings, which redirect the treadmill belt, analogous to a three-dimensional pulley system. A motorized drive system utilizes electric motors, each coupled to an omniwheel, which can drive the treadmill belt in one direction while allowing it to move freely in a perpendicular direction. Sensors are placed across the treadmill belt to detect lateral forces applied to the surface by the user; data from these sensors is used to keep the user centered on the surface of the omnidirectional treadmill.

A treadmill is provided. The treadmill includes a frame; a first side support coupled to and extending substantially vertically upwards relative to the frame; a second side support coupled to and extending substantially vertically upwards relative to the frame; and a handrail assembly having a first side coupled to the first side support. The first side includes an upper and a lower member vertically spaced from one another and a front and a rear push member spaced apart from one another along a longitudinal length of the treadmill. The front and rear push members couple to the upper and lower members.