MIT's shapeshifting display lets you reach out and touch someone

[Gunzkewl]

 

MIT has demonstrated a "Dynamic Shape Display" that can physically change shape to render 3D content. As Fast Company reports, the display is called inFORM, and it's a large surface that sits atop a series of pins, actuators, and linkages. By moving each actuator, inFORM can move the pin it's attached to up or down, allowing for a wide range of interactions.

 

A projector mounted above the surface provides context to the shapeshifting pins, giving them color and highlighting depth. In a video released by MIT, the table is shown moving a ball, mirroring a book, displaying 3D charts, and giving an extremely visible smartphone notification.

When used in conjunction with a Kinect sensor, inFORM gets a lot more interesting. The sensor is able to accurately map and interpret the position of 3D objects, and MIT's system uses that data to allow you to move the table's pins with just your hands. This can even work remotely, as demonstrated by the video, which shows an MIT staffer interacting with items via a video conference.

 

Source: http://www.theverge.com/2013/11/13/5098926/mit-inform-dynamic-shape-display-video

 

I wonder if it can reproduce objects that would be awesome.

 

[Thermite]

This is very cool, I WANT ONE.

[Titanicium]

This is epic!

 

I will finally be able to slap people on Skype ^^

[Kayn]

This is epic!

 

I will finally be able to slap people on Skype ^^

You and me both. I like how such advanced technology and the first thing we think of is slapping someone.

[Titanicium]

You and me both. I like how such advanced technology and the first thing we think of is slapping someone.

 

What else would we use tech for?

[kristaps552]

What else would we use tech for?

Virtual sex. Imagine all the pr0n games that could be made with this.

[alepodj]

What else would we use tech for?

Naild' it

[TechSage]

I wanted to go TO M.I.T for computer science

[whatthe_fuzz]

I wanted to go TO M.I.T for computer science

 

so did every other engineer in the world. 

 

unless youre a minority with perfect test scores....

 

 

 

OP- i can see this being paired with a leap motion and even more pins and making it 30x more realistic 

[James_AJ]

This is incredible, but wth is it with MIT realizing all these sci-fi shenanigans nowadays?

Yes I'm blown away, but holy sheet...

[SirPaul]

Actually , not impressed.

Tell me what is special on this ? because it really seems just like sensors which scans position of your hands, and movements of your hands are in specific coordinates sent by network to servos which are pushing the sticks ..

I am i wrong ?

[Gunzkewl]

so did every other engineer in the world. 

 

unless youre a minority with perfect test scores....

 

 

 

OP- i can see this being paired with a leap motion and even more pins and making it 30x more realistic

 

More pins + Kinect 2= mind blown

 

This is how it works

 

Source: http://tangible.media.mit.edu/project/inform/

[EricX2]

That looks like 1/2 the end project, it needs to have a way to feel what you are touching.

[Gunzkewl]

Actually , not impressed.

Tell me what is special on this ? because it really seems just like sensors which scans position of your hands, and movements of your hands are in specific coordinates sent by network to servos which are pushing the sticks ..

I am i wrong ?

[zeros]

Interesting project. But I don't see it being used in any situation.

[maximilian4o]

This thing is going to take CamSex to an other level

[SirPaul]

I dont get it ? So those are not servos but some maybe pneumatical (??) pushes so it is more realistic ? Tell me if iam wrong.. and still not really impressed

[JAKEBAB]

So when my gf goes to see her parents I can still play with her boobs?