Presented tactile hologram technology

An employee of the University of Bristol, Benjamin Long, with a team showed an advanced UltraHaptics system that allows you to feel the “touch” of the hologram. The technology is based on multidirectional ultrasonic waves, which create the sensation of a tactile touch to the hologram object. Probably, the realism of the “touch” is planned to be rather high, because the creators suggest that as a practical application of their technology, physicians can tactilely examine the results of computer tomograms or those who are curious about safely touching museum exhibits.

In principle, the UltraHaptics scheme is as follows: around a holographic object are ultrasonic speakers, the direction of which depends on the position of the human hand, which performs the touch. The position of the palm in the air is monitored using the well-known LeapMotion controller, according to which the dynamics are oriented in space and the ultrasonic radiation of which affects the skin.

The scheme of work and an example of use are shown in the video:


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Currently, the UltraHaptics system only works with relatively simple objects, such as a sphere or a pyramid. The main obstacle to the naturalness of tactile sensations is the “resolution” of the ultrasonic screen: if the number of speakers per unit of its area were greater, then probably the realism of the touch would be higher.

Nevertheless, the authors of UltraHaptics claim that companies with a commercial purpose have already become interested in developing, also they are ready to present it at an exhibition in China.