When we talk of virtual reality or VR, the names that come to mind most often might be Mark Zuckerberg, Samsung, and other big names. However, even before these names have made waves for making VR a byword in our modern society, VR would be impossible without these early innovators on the list.
Mort Heilig
Mort Heilig started building a machine in 1958 which he called the Sensorama. He launched the machine in 1964 allowing people to feel, smell, and and hear Brooklyn while riding on a stationary bicycle. To describe the Sensorama more specifically, Heilig installed a large screen in front of the bike showing the city of Brooklyn in full color. There's also a fan blowing in your face to give the feeling of the breeze while biking through the streets.
