Many times, people are affected by tragic events that lead to the birth of ideas that will change their lives. Nikolai Muravyov, a Tomsk developer, was one such example. The young man experienced an instance of severe trauma, which not only didn’t break his spirit but also helped him find a way to help many people who face mobility-related problems. Nikolay Muravyov shared his story with our editorial staff about how he created a project to improve rehabilitation following strokes.
What was the inspiration for VR GO?
I was driven by the fact that life gave me this opportunity to make it a reality. As you may have noticed, I’m in a wheelchair. In 2010, during a friend’s birthday celebration, I unsuccessfully took a trip on a slide with a sports ice sled and crashed my back into a group of trees. As a result – I gained a spinal fracture, three operations, and a long process of rehabilitation.
Because of the injury I was unable to move my legs. I was advised by my neurosurgeon to let my imagination take over. To imagine myself moving my legs, I needed to use imagination. At this point, fans of Quentin Tarantino’s work should recall a fragment from “Kill Bill”, in which Uma Thurman tries to move his toes after a long coma, lying in the back seat of a car parked in a hospital parking lot. Following the instructions of my doctors I’ve been performing these tasks for some time now. This is a very energetic-intensive task. In addition, it’s not easy to remember the movements that you forgot. The idea for VR GO was born.
What is the essence of your startup’s technology?
We use VR GO to enhance the efficacy of stroke rehabilitation. Because of the use of a gamified format, and accurate transmissions and movement, our developments make mental representation more interesting and conscious.
A digital representation of one’s body will allow patients to direct its movements and take control of it.
Over 60 users have tried the app and left only positive reviews. In some cases, relatives of patients helped by our innovations offered large sums of money immediately to purchase such tools.
We use modern VR headsets and non-trivial methods to create a digital alternate reality. Our goal is to make technology accessible to all.
Which person is helping with this project for you?
This would not have been possible without my friend Maxim Zhdanov. Maxim Zhdanov is a veteran businessman and Herman Schneider, a cyberneticist, helped me to accomplish my goals. I assembled the project’s team back in 2017 – after attending a virtual reality hackathon. Our technical team also includes programmers.
Which are your thoughts on VR GO’s current results? How can you predict the future?
We have proven the effectiveness of our project – this is probably the main achievement. We have also made connections with foreign officials and received their support. As an example, assistance was offered to us in the release of our project on the European markets. This puzzle helps to promote the project.
We’re also planning to launch a mobile application. At this stage, VR GO users will be able to work even through cardboard cutouts– ordinary Google card glasses in which you can install a smartphone. A modern smartphone is all you will need, along with a cheap cardboard cutout between $10-20.
Your fascination with Star Wars began how?
Star Wars has been a part of my life for a very long time. The moment I realized that my disability income was inadequate for daily living, was when my passion was ignited. My passion for fantasy films led me to create helmets and costumes that I could make myself. By the way, I’m not limited to Star Wars. I also have works that were inspired by movies, like Iron Man.
My hobby is now digital and I have recently joined the NFT marketplace. Now, my works can be found on the OpenSea Marketplace. Funding for the project comes from all the income generated by NFT sales. Those who wish to help us in creating tools for the rehabilitation of people with motor problems – check out my OpenSea page.
Is it possible to move the idea from conception to actualization?
It is extremely laborious to create helmets. Every detail is crucial. First I sketch out my idea. Then I try to find ways I can implement it. I have the ability to modify or refine my idea during the work process, until I come up with something that is truly unique. Design selection is an essential part of this process.
Some jobs can take from six months to a year and a half, but it’s worth it. Every helmet is unique. No other helmet is exactly the same as it. The Star Wars Universe offers a rare opportunity for Helmet Buyers to be a part of the Star Wars Universe. So, was born the idea of the STAR MASTER TOOPER project.
Do you ever receive unusual orders? Do you ever receive unusual orders? If so, which was the most extraordinary object that you made?
One of the most interesting works has been the R2–D2 robot made of metal. He moves his head and speaks in his own language “pilik pili piuu”. We made him for the teaching staff at the children’s technopark known as “Quantorium”, in which I actually worked as a laboratory assistant teacher.
Street Vision Street Art Festival: Our R2-D2 appeared there. We then gave the robot to the individual who funded it.
Let us know about how STAR MASTER TOOPER helmets were made. Is there a main purpose to the collection?
STAR MASTER TOOPER partly reflects a fantasyland about the appearance of stormtroopers. The NFT collection also pays tribute to the iconic look of heroes.
By the by, before any sales started, the first ever helmet was sold in both digital and physical forms to its Australian purchaser.
How are they different from all the images uploaded to OpenSea and what are their characteristics?
Through the fixing of data in the blockchain, the format of non-fungible tokens allows you to prove ownership of an image. NFT markets offer some of the easiest conditions to purchase and sell digital art.
The images used to create my tokens’ base are copiedrighted. Each copy is presented as a single document. All NFTs, besides being graphics, are actually real helmets that were captured by video. This allows buyers to buy both digital and physical versions of helmets.
Have you any plans to grow the NFT market?
There is no doubt that there are plans for new collections. NFTs are growing rapidly. Analysts expect that NFTs’ market will exceed $80 million by 2025. The development of large companies like Meta (Facebook) is also helping to expand the market.
My NFT initiative will be developed in order for it to scale VR GO, which will aid people with reduced mobility.
How would you speak to those who are losing hope in the joy of moving?
I would say from personal experience – the loss of hope is a path to nowhere. I’ll give you an example. VR GO would never have existed if I hadn’t tried to find other ways of improving my health.
Do you have any ideas?
Sure. I’m always open to communication. To contact me by email, please click here Twitter You can also use Instagram. People with similar energy to mine are my favorite way to get in touch.