Tactile Holograms Being Developed in Japan

According to a report by Reuters, scientists at Tokyo University are making progress developing holograms that not only appear visually, but also respond to touch. And get this–they’ve done it using Wii controllers. Using ultrasonic waves, the scientists have developed software that enables holograms to create pressure when touched by a human hand. As for the Wii controllers–they’re used to track the motion of the hand. While still in its early stages, potential uses for the technology include virtual objects, such as light switches, which could be projected when needed. One example cited is a hospital switch, in which a hologram-based switch could prevent the germs that inevitably come with a physical switch. [Reuters via Switched] [Photo: Christe]