Technology

Did they actually, you know, talk to any disabled people while designing this?

No, why would they when that's not the target demographic or use case?

specifically designed for mixed reality entertainment experiences

Sounds like they're not in use as mobility devices for the disabled but as a more interactive ride vehicle at an attraction, which also means the uncomfortableness is less of an issue and that they'll likely be used in places where the caster wheels will be on smooth surfaces and not an issue

Frankly this sounds like a neat idea and could be something very cool, but we'll have to see it in action first and the first generation or 2 are likely to suck monkey balls

There's a really cool episode of the podcast Factually touching on what you're talking about.

https://eightify.app/summary/social-issues/prioritizing-disability-needs-in-technology-and-society-factually-239

(Side note, I've never seen this website but I really dig that it has question and answer summaries on the bottom. That was super cool.)

Edit: also, as somebody who is disabled who can't lean forward without intense pain, these wheelchairs would be hell.

The little caster wheels at each corner are useless and will get caught on any imperfection in the road or texture change, bringing the chair to a halt.

That's when it's in the parked position. When it's in motion the seat is raised and the wheels get out of the way.

People already sleep in SocialVR in VR headsets. Social Sleeping.

Thats just the tip of the spear.

We already have it

Too late .... American pharmaceuticals basically medicate the entire world with all kinds of exotic drugs for all kinds of mental disorders, conditions and situations.

It's so normalized now that most people don't even acknowledge that they, their family, their friends or the people they know are taking some sort of anti depressant, anti psychotic, simulant or mood altering drug to treat some condition.

I get it some modern drugs are needed by some people to treat a debilitating condition but I refuse to believe that a large percentage of the world needs all these drugs on a regular basis.