From Axone, you can simulate a free fall or fly over the Alps

We are in a hurry. Rather we gather together, as though we are better examining this peculiar machine, which at first glance we do not know whether it is intended for sport, or recreation, or any act of torture.

Located in the middle of the main hall at Axone, the stand of innovative startup Avantgard’east, based in Étupes, attracts as much attention as it provokes curiosity. “Even during the assembly of the exhibition, other exhibitors came to ask us why we used this strange equipment,” stresses Stéphane Gineste, the company’s creator for three years (and two days). Well, to get laid, of course!

“Devices like this, there are only four or five in France, and we have two at home”

The virtual reality flight simulator (Icaros for friends) is in any case a sensation. Its principle is simple: laying it in a lying position, on the elbows, with a helmet on the eye where the pictures are shown, one can feel the effects of a free fall, or a flight over the snowy alpine landscapes (it is in season …)

Antoine, a visitor to the exhibition, self-confident at first, did not hesitate to test the thing … We suspect that he almost regretted it for a moment. However, in the end, it is clear that strong stored feelings take precedence over the physical effort that must be made. “Devices like this, there are only four or five in France, and we have two at home,” said Maren Leclerc, Avantgard’East’s director of development.

A company in the process of achieving a good reputation in the field of these new technologies that it publishes in its preferred sector, events. “The idea is to best meet our customers’ demands, even the craziest.” Especially the craziest. A meeting on the stage, between two people who let themselves swim in the wind, to be convinced…