“Felt It With My Own Hands”: Scientists Create World-First Touchable 3D Holograms Floating in Mid-Air in Sci-Fi Reality Breakthrough

The realm of science has witnessed numerous breakthroughs, but few are as captivating as the creation of touchable 3D holograms. A team of researchers from the Public University of Navarra (UPNA) has developed a technology that not only allows three-dimensional graphics to float in mid-air but also to be touched and manipulated by hand. This groundbreaking achievement opens up a new era of interaction with digital content, promising vast applications across various fields. As we delve deeper into this innovation, we explore the mechanics, benefits, and potential uses of these revolutionary 3D holograms.

Revolution in 3D Display Technology

Led by Doctor Elodie Bouzbib, the research team at UPNA has successfully pushed the boundaries of what we traditionally understand as holograms. Unlike current commercial prototypes from companies like Voxon Photonics and Brightvox Inc., which offer volumetric displays, this new technology allows for direct interaction with floating images. Asier Marzo, one of the lead researchers, emphasized the natural and intuitive nature of this interaction, likening it to the way we use smartphones. The project enables users to leverage their innate abilities of 3D vision and manipulation, making digital interaction more immersive and intuitive than ever before.

The core innovation lies in replacing rigid diffusers with elastic ones for volumetric displays. This change ensures safety during touch interaction, allowing users to engage with 3D objects without the risk of breaking the display or injuring themselves. The team meticulously tested various materials to strike the right balance between mechanical safety and visual clarity. This innovation marks a significant leap forward, bringing the concept of “come-and-interact” displays closer to reality.

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How the Floating 3D Display Works

The technology powering these touchable 3D holograms is part of the InteVol project, funded by the European Research Council (ERC). Volumetric displays work by projecting images onto a fast-moving surface known as a diffuser. This diffuser oscillates at an impressive speed of 2,880 images per second. Due to the persistence of vision, the human eye perceives these layered images as a complete 3D object floating in mid-air. The shift from rigid to elastic diffusers was crucial, as it allows users to touch and manipulate the images safely.

Elastic materials posed their own set of challenges, primarily concerning image correction due to deformation. However, the UPNA team overcame these hurdles to create a system that supports natural interaction. Users can now perform actions like pinching and moving a 3D cube or simulating walking using their fingers. This tactile interaction enhances user experience, making digital engagement more engaging and accessible.

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Real-World Uses in Rooms, Museums, and More

The potential applications for touchable 3D holograms are vast and varied. From education to entertainment, this technology promises to revolutionize how we interact with digital content. In educational settings, students can visualize and assemble complex structures, such as the parts of an engine, in a more interactive manner. This hands-on approach to learning can enhance comprehension and retention of complex concepts.

Museums are another area where this technology can make a significant impact. Visitors can engage directly with exhibits, exploring and interacting with digital representations without the need for virtual reality headsets. This not only enhances the visitor experience but also opens new possibilities for collaborative learning and exploration. The ability for multiple users to interact with the same 3D display simultaneously further underscores its potential for collaborative environments.

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Future Prospects and Ongoing Research

The team’s groundbreaking work is documented in a paper published on the HAL open-access research archive, and a video detailing the results is available on YouTube. Their findings will also be showcased at the prestigious CHI 2025 conference in Yokohama, Japan. As the technology continues to evolve, the research team is optimistic about its future prospects, exploring new materials and methods to enhance the user experience further.

The implications of touchable 3D holograms extend beyond immediate applications. As this technology becomes more mainstream, it could redefine sectors such as architecture, gaming, and remote communication. The ability to interact with digital content in a three-dimensional space could lead to new forms of storytelling, design, and communication, transforming how we perceive and engage with the digital world.

The development of touchable 3D holograms marks a significant milestone in the intersection of science and technology. By combining visual clarity with tactile interaction, researchers have created a dynamic platform for digital engagement. As we stand on the brink of this technological revolution, one question remains: how will touchable 3D holograms shape the future of digital interaction and redefine our relationship with technology?

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