9 Mind-Blowing Tech Projects That Prove The Future Is Now
8. Holodecks
The holodeck - a virtual reality room where participants can do anything from play a character in their favourite book to converse with a long-since-dead scientist - has played a central role in many episodes of Star Trek. Now researchers at NYU are designing their own version of the sci-fi favourite, to be used as a cyber-learning centre.
NYU’s Experiential Supercomputer, which they’ve nicknamed the Holodeck, combines VR tech with touch-based controls. Guided by robotic and virtual learning assistants, the Holodeck will be able to track the user’s movements and mental states via physiological cues (for example, changes in speech dynamics or sweating) to personalize their experiences. The Holodeck will even feature 3D printing technology so people can quickly make physical models of things they’re working on.
Immersive VR programs are possible because of rapid advances fuelled by the gaming industry. However, using these advances the NYU team hopes to be able to model real-world scenarios that allow people to study complex issues, such as climate change.
Although a working prototype of the Holodeck is a ways off, Star Trek-style VR rooms may be the classroom of our children’s futures.