How it works

Unidrift consists of a motion sensor and a USB receiver. These two devices act as a bridge between the physical world and the game world. Whenever you move in the real world, your character in the game does the same.

The exercise machine you attach the motion sensor to and the hardware you run your games on are up to you. We recommend using a portable elliptical like this one.

The motion sensor attaches to your exercise machine and tracks your physical speed and direction. The USB receiver receives this data over Bluetooth and emulates the corresponding game inputs.

Unidrift will categorise your motion into:

  • Walking backwards
  • Stationary
  • Walking forwards
  • Sprinting forwards

Unidrift then generates the corresponding game control inputs for the game you are playing. All other controls, such as aiming and jumping, remain the same.

The USB receiver features two USB-C ports:

  • Port 1 emulates a generic PC/Xbox 360 controller.
  • Port 2 emulates a keyboard.

This flexibility means Unidrift works for all players, regardless of whether you prefer to use a controller or a keyboard and mouse.

Controller

If you game using a controller, the first step is to pair it with the USB receiver over Bluetooth. The USB receiver will pass through all controller inputs it receives, apart from the left analog stick's forward/backward components.

The motion sensor sends speed and direction data to the USB receiver, which converts this into the left analog stick's forward/backward components and sprint button presses. This means all forward/backward controls are based on your physical motion.

You can fully enable the left analog stick by double-tapping the Start button on your controller if, for example, you need to take a break or navigate through menu options.

The Unidrift USB receiver is compatible with most Bluetooth controllers and will automatically go into pairing mode when powered on. Controllers we've confirmed compatibility with so far are:

Please note that advanced features such as touchpad input and controller audio are not yet supported.

You can set which sprint button Unidrift should emulate in the free Android/iOS App.

Unidrift can emulate:

  • Quick tap toggles on/off sprinting
  • Quick tap only toggles on sprinting
  • Press and hold to sprint

For any button on a standard controller.

Keyboard and mouse

If you game using a keyboard and mouse, the USB receiver appears as an external keyboard when plugged into a PC or Mac. You can set which key presses Unidrift should emulate in the free Android/iOS App.

Unidrift can emulate:

  • Quick tap
  • Press & hold
  • Double-tap and hold

For any key on a standard keyboard.