GUWAHATI: A team of researchers has developed a 3D holographic display that can be touched and manipulated by hand, bringing to life a technology reminiscent of those seen in Iron Man films.
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The breakthrough was recently showcased by scientists from the Public University of Navarre (UPNA) in Spain, at the CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems in Yokohama, Japan.
According to the presentation, the system allows users to grab, drag, and rotate mid-air 3D graphics using their fingers, without the need for virtual reality headsets. The development marks a step forward in interactive visual technology, enabling what scientists call “true 3D graphics” — visuals that can be viewed from any direction and now directly interacted with.
Traditionally, 3D visuals were produced by rapidly moving a flat screen and projecting 2D slices that appear as a full object due to visual persistence. However, these systems were not safe to touch. Now, the UPNA team replaced the rigid screen with a flexible elastic diffuser, allowing fingers to pass through safely. The diffuser oscillates rapidly, while cameras track hand movements to enable natural gestures like pinching and swiping.
Lead researcher Elodie Bouzbib explained that the innovation brings “direct interaction” into the world of volumetric displays. Existing commercial prototypes offer mid-air visuals, but lack the capability for users to physically manipulate those visuals. According to the research team, the new setup will now allow for natural and intuitive control, similar to how users interact with touchscreens.
Trials with 18 volunteers revealed that users performed tasks faster and more accurately using their fingers than with a 3D mouse. Some participants described the device as soft to the touch, even calling the experience ticklish.
Plans are underway to incorporate haptic feedback using ultrasound and explore projections onto gas for further development.
