Toyama University and Japan Open Systems Jointly Develop Mixed Reality (MR) Training System
Japan Open Systems Co., Ltd. and Toyama University have jointly developed "Udenoverse," a mixed reality (MR) training system designed for individuals with reduced upper limb motor function due to aging or illness, enabling them to engage in enjoyable and continuous physical activity. Preparations are underway for its social implementation within the current fiscal year.
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- 📰 Published: May 12, 2026 at 19:00
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Japan Open Systems Co., Ltd. (Ushijima-machi 9-5, Toyama City, Toyama Prefecture; President: Hiroaki Sono) and Toyama University (Gofuku 3190, Toyama City, Toyama Prefecture; Professor, Department of Medicine, Academic Research Division: Noriaki Hattori) have jointly developed "Udenoverse," a mixed reality (MR) training system that allows individuals with reduced upper limb motor function due to aging or illness to engage in continuous physical activity training while having fun. Preparations are underway for the social implementation of "Udenoverse" within the current fiscal year.
■ Background of Joint Development
In recent years, immersive technologies (technologies that provide highly immersive digital experiences) such as virtual reality (VR) and mixed reality (MR) have seen increasing application in various fields, including education, sports, and medicine. Particularly in the field of physical activity training, there is growing interest in utilizing immersive technologies, as they offer the potential to provide new exercise experiences through visual effects.
The project team from Japan Open Systems and Toyama University began organizing operational issues for realizing a training experience that facilitates continuous physical activity and for its introduction into medical and nursing care fields in July 2023. Based on these findings, they have proceeded with the development of "Udenoverse," a training system utilizing mixed reality (MR) technology.
■ Overview of "Udenoverse"
Udenoverse is a training system developed with the aim of providing opportunities for physical activity to individuals experiencing muscle weakness in their upper limbs (from shoulder to fingers) due to aging, or reduced motor function due to illness. Users wear a head-mounted display and, by moving their upper limbs according to instructions displayed on the screen and voice guidance heard through the head-mounted display, they can intuitively train their upper limbs by interacting with miniature birds, cats, and various other objects displayed in a virtual space. Udenoverse offers a variety of training applications, allowing users to continue training while having fun.
*"Udenoverse" is not a medical device and is not intended for diagnosis or treatment.
Image: A person actually wearing a head-mounted display
Image: An image seen through the head-mounted display
■ Post-Experience Survey at Rehabilitation Medical Institutions
"Udenoverse" was experienced at multiple rehabilitation medical institutions, and a post-experience survey was conducted. Many positive comments were received from users, such as "fun" and "a mysterious experience," confirming high acceptance for training that incorporates game-like elements. Rehabilitation professionals also provided positive feedback, evaluating users' engagement and the potential for the system to serve as a trigger for upper limb movement.
*This project was carried out with the cooperation of several rehabilitation-related facilities in Toyama Prefecture.
■ Future Outlook
Following the post-experience survey, improvements have been made to operability and introduction support methods. Preparations are currently underway for social implementation within the current fiscal year, anticipating its use in actual clinical settings. Moving forward, through continuous improvements based on practical operation, the goal is to build a training environment where more facilities can safely and repeatedly engage in training, while reducing the burden of equipment and environmental preparation.
■ Project Representative Comments
(1) Professor Noriaki Hattori, Department of Medicine, Academic Research Division, Toyama University
With the advancement of an aging society, muscle weakness and upper limb motor dysfunction due to aging and illness have become major challenges that reduce independence in daily life. However, continuously securing sufficient training opportunities for functional maintenance is not easy due to human and time constraints.
In this project, we have jointly developed with Japan Open Systems a training system that utilizes mixed reality (MR) technology, incorporating multiple training menus designed with reference to motor learning concepts, and featuring a function to check performance results on screen. By incorporating game-like elements, we aim to create an environment where users can safely and enjoyably engage in continuous physical activity.
Going forward, we intend to further improve and advance the system through practical operation in actual settings, and promote initiatives for social implementation.
(2) Shinichi Sugiyama, DX & Systems Department, Japan Open Systems
This initiative places a strong emphasis on design based on the premise of practical operation in the field. Specifically, we have aimed for a form that can be smoothly operated in daily work, such as ease of preparation and startup, and the provision of standard plans that can be selected according to the user's condition. In particular, for on-site challenges such as difficulty in operation, burden during wearing, and understanding the situation during support, in actual usage settings...
■ Background of Joint Development
In recent years, immersive technologies (technologies that provide highly immersive digital experiences) such as virtual reality (VR) and mixed reality (MR) have seen increasing application in various fields, including education, sports, and medicine. Particularly in the field of physical activity training, there is growing interest in utilizing immersive technologies, as they offer the potential to provide new exercise experiences through visual effects.
The project team from Japan Open Systems and Toyama University began organizing operational issues for realizing a training experience that facilitates continuous physical activity and for its introduction into medical and nursing care fields in July 2023. Based on these findings, they have proceeded with the development of "Udenoverse," a training system utilizing mixed reality (MR) technology.
■ Overview of "Udenoverse"
Udenoverse is a training system developed with the aim of providing opportunities for physical activity to individuals experiencing muscle weakness in their upper limbs (from shoulder to fingers) due to aging, or reduced motor function due to illness. Users wear a head-mounted display and, by moving their upper limbs according to instructions displayed on the screen and voice guidance heard through the head-mounted display, they can intuitively train their upper limbs by interacting with miniature birds, cats, and various other objects displayed in a virtual space. Udenoverse offers a variety of training applications, allowing users to continue training while having fun.
*"Udenoverse" is not a medical device and is not intended for diagnosis or treatment.
Image: A person actually wearing a head-mounted display
Image: An image seen through the head-mounted display
■ Post-Experience Survey at Rehabilitation Medical Institutions
"Udenoverse" was experienced at multiple rehabilitation medical institutions, and a post-experience survey was conducted. Many positive comments were received from users, such as "fun" and "a mysterious experience," confirming high acceptance for training that incorporates game-like elements. Rehabilitation professionals also provided positive feedback, evaluating users' engagement and the potential for the system to serve as a trigger for upper limb movement.
*This project was carried out with the cooperation of several rehabilitation-related facilities in Toyama Prefecture.
■ Future Outlook
Following the post-experience survey, improvements have been made to operability and introduction support methods. Preparations are currently underway for social implementation within the current fiscal year, anticipating its use in actual clinical settings. Moving forward, through continuous improvements based on practical operation, the goal is to build a training environment where more facilities can safely and repeatedly engage in training, while reducing the burden of equipment and environmental preparation.
■ Project Representative Comments
(1) Professor Noriaki Hattori, Department of Medicine, Academic Research Division, Toyama University
With the advancement of an aging society, muscle weakness and upper limb motor dysfunction due to aging and illness have become major challenges that reduce independence in daily life. However, continuously securing sufficient training opportunities for functional maintenance is not easy due to human and time constraints.
In this project, we have jointly developed with Japan Open Systems a training system that utilizes mixed reality (MR) technology, incorporating multiple training menus designed with reference to motor learning concepts, and featuring a function to check performance results on screen. By incorporating game-like elements, we aim to create an environment where users can safely and enjoyably engage in continuous physical activity.
Going forward, we intend to further improve and advance the system through practical operation in actual settings, and promote initiatives for social implementation.
(2) Shinichi Sugiyama, DX & Systems Department, Japan Open Systems
This initiative places a strong emphasis on design based on the premise of practical operation in the field. Specifically, we have aimed for a form that can be smoothly operated in daily work, such as ease of preparation and startup, and the provision of standard plans that can be selected according to the user's condition. In particular, for on-site challenges such as difficulty in operation, burden during wearing, and understanding the situation during support, in actual usage settings...