Neuroscientist built EarthRunner with AI help to visualize runs on 3D maps
petewoodbridge · x · 2026-08-24
Neuroscientist Lu Zhang asked an AI chatbot how to make treadmill running less boring. Inspired by the AI's suggestions, he built EarthRunner using Cesium for Unreal and Google Photorealistic 3D Tiles.
Features:
- Real-world Mapping: Streams real 3D map data from Google, allowing users to run through global locations on a treadmill.
- Linked Control: Treadmill movement controls the virtual avatar, with an iPad interface for navigation.
- AI Guide: Includes an AI-powered audio guide highlighting points of interest during the run.
This case demonstrates AI inspiring cross-disciplinary development, leading Lu to become a Cesium Certified Developer.
More from Apps
- Sharing data cleaning pipeline and scraping results from Jaime — MrIvanAM · 2026-08-25
- PlanePower Trends on GitHub Globally, Major Update Incoming — JosephJacks_ · 2026-08-25
- Workflow: Create Cyberpunk Morph Video with Midjourney & MiniMax H3 — techhalla · 2026-08-25
- Build and Publish a Game from Prompt with Thrixel — RanaHanocka · 2026-08-25
- Omarchy exposed as just a Distilware wrapper with extra packages — tekbog · 2026-08-25
- Artificial Analysis partners with Liquid for mobile benchmarks — JosephJacks_ · 2026-08-25