Researchers from the University of Navarre in Spain have presented the world’s first hologram system that people can interact with using their hands—without gloves or VR devices. The new technology uses a flexible projection screen and elastic materials, allowing the user to literally “insert” their hands into a 3D display, touch, grab, and move virtual objects. In this way, the team addressed the problem of rigid materials being damaged when touched.
The project was published on the HAL platform. The system demonstrates potential applications in education, museums, medicine, and engineering—from interactive learning aids to manipulating 3D models for surgical planning.
It’s still a long way off from science fiction and the ability to move objects with thought alone, but it’s already exciting.
