3D Tech Makes A Massive Breakthrough

Ever seen a movie where a character is operating a computer by touching what appears to be an interface projected into mid-air? Think of Tom Cruise’s computer in “Minority Report” or Tony Stark’s in “Iron Man.” Well, that type of fantasy technology appears to be becoming reality.

On Monday, Miraisens, a Japanese tech firm, unveiled what is dubbed as the world’s first touchable 3D imagery.

The idea is that you wear a small device on your fingertip and then when you’re pushing virtual buttons, you’ll feel some type resistance.

Although there’s no actual resistance since you’re not really touching something that’s there, what’s happening is that your brain is being fooled.

Your eye sees the virtual button and then your finger vibrates or feels a sensation as you “touch” the object.

Essentially, you’re able to touch, push, pull and manipulate objects that aren’t really there.

As of now, you can only use it while wearing the headgear too. So, you’d be wearing a virtual reality headset along the lines of Oculus Rift and in there, you can touch things. Hopefully in the future, it grows independent of the headset.

If you’re thinking of productive uses for this, think of a doctor doing surgery remotely. Or maybe your car-savvy uncle virtually helping you repair something in the engine.

Or virtual schooling that’s teaching a hands-on subject — maybe something like cooking — where you’re not actually in the classroom but the teacher is still virtually guiding you.

All of these would be innovations beyond the current setup and would further advance our ability to digitally connect with each other.

Right now, the main focus of this technology will be for gaming. Oculus VR is in the process of revolutionizing the way we play video games and this will surely be a welcome member to that party. It adds another sense.

With Oculus, it covers what you see but now this technology will impact what you feel in the virtual world. Hijacking a car in Grand Theft Auto will have never felt so real.

So with sight, sound and touch covered, we’re about three-fifths of the way to “The Matrix.” All we’re missing is taste and smell, and we’ll be able to completely move into virtual reality.

Is it ideal? In general, it is pretty cool and in specific instances, will be a great improvement to our society – especially gaming. But surely, people who want to get away from their current life are likely to overdose on virtual reality.