Technological advances never cease to push back the boundaries of the imagination, and the latest innovation promises to transform our perception of the world. 3D holograms, once confined to science-fiction films, are now coming to life in the open air, offering a new and captivating visual experience.
This technical prowess opens the way to new applications in fields ranging from education to entertainment and communication. Discover how this revolutionary technology is redefining the way we interact with the digital world, and what the future holds. A true immersion in the future awaits you.
Innovation and holographic technology: a major breakthrough at the Public University of Navarre
A team of researchers at the Public University of Navarre, led by Dr Elodie Bouzbib, has revolutionized holographic technology by developing interactive three-dimensional volumetric displays. Unlike existing commercial prototypes, this innovation enables direct tactile interaction with floating images through the use of high-speed oscillating elastic diffusers.
These diffusers are safer than their rigid counterparts, offering an immersive experience without the risk of injury. This project, supported by the European Research Council, paves the way for a variety of applications, notably in education and museums, where several users can interact simultaneously without a virtual reality headset.
Research team and technical challenges
Under the direction of Dr. Elodie Bouzbib, the team comprising Iosune Sarasate, Unai Fernández, Manuel López-Amo, Iván Fernández, Iñigo Ezcurdia and Asier Marzo overcame major technical obstacles. The use of elastic materials for the diffusers required complex adjustments to correct image distortions.
Each member brought their own unique expertise to the table: Sarasate and Fernández optimized mechanical safety, while López-Amo and Iván Fernández worked on visual clarity. Ezcurdia and Marzo developed image correction algorithms. Thanks to these efforts, users can now interact naturally with floating 3D objects, transforming the user experience in a variety of areas.
Practical applications and dissemination of results
This innovative technology promises to transform various sectors, including education, museums and collaborative environments. In the classroom, it would enable students to explore complex concepts by directly manipulating 3D models, such as disassembling an engine.
In museums, visitors could interact with virtual exhibits without additional equipment, enriching their experience. The results of this research have been widely disseminated: an article is available on the HAL archive, an explanatory video is accessible on YouTube, and the team will be presenting their findings at the CHI 2025 conference in Yokohama, from April 26 to May 1, highlighting the potential impact of this technological breakthrough.
