Holograms That You Can Touch and Feel

Researchers at the University of Tokyo have figured out to make holograms touchable.

This means that you can actually “move” the holographic images on-screen by moving your hands as well as being able to feel pressure sensations on the skin when you push or squeeze it!

The project is on display at  SIGGRAPH 2009 in New Orleans.

Before you go off thinking how the ‘adult entertainment‘ industry can use this tech let’s have a look at its cleverness!

The system consists of a Holo display (developed by Provision Interactive Technologies), a pair of Wii Remotes that are used to track the position of the user’s hand in front of the screen, and an “Airborne Ultrasound Tactile Display” unit that shoots focused ultrasonic waves at the hand to create the sensation of pressure on the skin.

Yup – it’s that simple!  😉

It’s the controlling of those focused ultrasonic waves that gives the impression of the virtual objects having physical mass.

Check out the video below and see how a tangible virtual bouncing ball, raindrops, and a small creature that runs around on the user’s hand.

I want one.

Princess Leia anyone?