Bow Valley rock climber taking navigation tools to next level through augmented reality
Climber Ben Pearman is developing an augmented reality app called RockXR to assist climbers with navigation on vertical terrain. By using spatial data and AR goggles, the app projects route lines and holds onto the rock face to help climbers stay on track.
Why it matters
This innovation represents a significant intersection of extreme sports and wearable technology, potentially increasing safety and accessibility in technical climbing.
BOW VALLEY - Most climbers would've given Ben Pearman a second look the day he took his latest high-tech innovation to the crag.
Tied in, chalked up and with Apple's Vision Pro goggles snug to his face, Pearman started up the Kahl Wall on Mount Yamnuska, a classic Rockies line where finding your next hold isn't exactly obvious.
The longtime climber and computer science masters student at the University of Calgary could see more than just the jagged limestone route in front of him through the bug-eyed lenses.
"You can actually see your position on this 3D terrain map of the cliff," said Pearman, of the digital world projected onto the wall.
"You literally see this clairvoyant route line that is weaving its way up the wall where you have to go," he said. "Even the holds light up."
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