Breakthrough 3D Holograms Can Now Be Touched and Manipulated
- tech360.tv
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
For the first time, scientists have developed 3D holograms that can be physically touched, grabbed and poked, marking a major leap in mixed reality technology.
The innovation, detailed in a study uploaded March 6 to the HAL open archive, uses elastic materials in volumetric displays to allow users to interact with holographic images using their hands.
This means users can grasp and move virtual objects, such as a cube, without damaging the display or the image. The study has not yet been peer-reviewed, but the researchers demonstrated the technology in a video.
Lead author Asier Marzo, Professor of Computer Science at the Public University of Navarra, said the project enables natural interaction with 3D graphics, similar to how people use touchscreens.
The researchers will present their findings at the CHI conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems in Japan, taking place from April 26 to May 1.
Traditional holograms, while common in exhibitions and smart glasses, have not allowed physical interaction. This new research is the first to enable mid-air manipulation of 3D graphics with human hands.
Volumetric displays rely on a fast-oscillating diffuser, typically a rigid sheet, to project thousands of images at different heights, forming a 3D image. However, contact with a rigid diffuser can cause damage or injury.
To solve this, the team used a flexible material that can be safely touched without harming the oscillator or degrading the image. The exact material has not been disclosed.
The researchers also addressed the issue of image distortion caused by the elastic material deforming under touch. They implemented image correction to maintain the hologram’s clarity.
Though still experimental, the technology has potential applications in education, allowing users to visualise and assemble complex objects like engines.
It could also be used in museums, where visitors could interact with exhibits without needing virtual reality headsets. The system supports collaborative interaction by multiple users.
Scientists developed touchable 3D holograms using elastic materials
Technology allows users to grab and move virtual objects in mid-air
Research will be presented at CHI conference in Japan, April 26–May 1
Source: LIVE SCIENCE