It may sound like science fiction, but it’s now real: Spanish engineers created the first 3D hologram system that lets people touch and control images by hand without damaging the device or distorting them.
Asier Marzo of the Public University of Navarra introduced FlexiVol, a system using elastic materials to achieve movie-like effects, such as Tony Stark’s floating projections in Iron Man 2.
From Phone Gestures to Mid-Air Interaction
“Our goal was to bring smartphone gestures to 3D objects,” Marzo said. The result is a display that lets users grab, move, and resize graphics in mid-air.
The researchers’ main challenge was replacing the rigid hologram diffuser, unsafe to touch due to its speed and fragility. Their solution was to design elastic diffuser strips, making interaction safe without affecting performance.
Keeping Holograms Stable During Touch
They built a correction system to stabilize the hologram’s shape and position when the elastic material is touched.
Though still in its early development, this innovation could lead to endless applications. From classrooms where students assemble engines in 3D, to museums where visitors interact with historical artifacts, the potential is enormous.
Far beyond a visual novelty, interactive holograms could transform the way we learn, work, and play—bringing futuristic experiences directly into our hands.
Read the original article on: Noticias de Coimbra
Read more: Scientists Found an Incredible New Use for Used Coffee Grounds