Boxing in the Metaverse: Taipei Tech Wins Jury’s Special Prize at SIGGRAPH 2024
Taipei Tech partnered with Golden Slash to develop Metapunch, a metaverse boxing experience, and Metapunch X, the spectator system. This innovative project recently received the Jury’s Special Prize at the 2024 SIGGRAPH DCEXPO Computer Animation Festival—marking the first time a team from Taiwan has earned this honor. In addition, the system was showcased at Japan’s International Broadcast Equipment Exhibition (Inter BEE) in November 2024.
Fun and Stress Relief in the Metaverse
Metapunch is set in a supermarket-themed virtual arena, where targets appear as amusing characters like a bitter melon alligator or a carrot bunny. When players hit these targets using VR gloves, the system measures reaction time, punching speed, and force and relieves stress and displays these metrics in a playful way. In the metaverse, the gloves transform into a fork and spoon, allowing players to “punch away” disliked foods, mimicking the act of eating them in a fun and interactive way.
Accessible for All Ages
Metapunch originated from MovableBag+, a punching bag robot that simulates a mobile boxing opponent developed by the same team for professional boxing training. With Metapunch, the team shifted to a fixed-target model to create a more cost-effective system—reducing expenses to one-sixth of the original—while still allowing real-time VR participation. A single computer can support up to four VR headsets, enabling both players and spectators to join simultaneously. The system also offers multi-angle, 360-degree viewing options on smartphones or VR headsets, catering to all age groups.
Expanding Applications and Future Goals
Metapunch X has been tested at sports centers and hotels, where the public could try it for free. Many schools and institutions have shown interest, raising hopes of wider distribution across different counties. This blend of VR, robotics, and IT aligns closely with the aims of Japan’s Superhuman Sports Society, which promotes sports that transcend age, gender, and even physical limitations. Taipei Tech’s team hopes to officially register Metapunch as a competitive event with the society, further extending their vision of inclusive, high-tech sports for everyone.
Fun and Stress Relief in the Metaverse
Metapunch is set in a supermarket-themed virtual arena, where targets appear as amusing characters like a bitter melon alligator or a carrot bunny. When players hit these targets using VR gloves, the system measures reaction time, punching speed, and force and relieves stress and displays these metrics in a playful way. In the metaverse, the gloves transform into a fork and spoon, allowing players to “punch away” disliked foods, mimicking the act of eating them in a fun and interactive way.
Accessible for All Ages
Metapunch originated from MovableBag+, a punching bag robot that simulates a mobile boxing opponent developed by the same team for professional boxing training. With Metapunch, the team shifted to a fixed-target model to create a more cost-effective system—reducing expenses to one-sixth of the original—while still allowing real-time VR participation. A single computer can support up to four VR headsets, enabling both players and spectators to join simultaneously. The system also offers multi-angle, 360-degree viewing options on smartphones or VR headsets, catering to all age groups.
Expanding Applications and Future Goals
Metapunch X has been tested at sports centers and hotels, where the public could try it for free. Many schools and institutions have shown interest, raising hopes of wider distribution across different counties. This blend of VR, robotics, and IT aligns closely with the aims of Japan’s Superhuman Sports Society, which promotes sports that transcend age, gender, and even physical limitations. Taipei Tech’s team hopes to officially register Metapunch as a competitive event with the society, further extending their vision of inclusive, high-tech sports for everyone.
