A real-life ‘holodeck’ in 10 years?
January 17, 2013
The holodeck of the USS Enterprise (credit: Wikimedia Commons)
According to software expert Tim Huckaby, we’re on the verge of a science-fiction-like future where doctors manipulate molecules in three-dimensional (3-D) space, augmented music players tune into your thoughts, and retailers deliver coupons in real time based on the focus of your gaze across store shelves, Smart Planet reports.
His predictions for what’s possible within the next 10 years include a functioning “holodeck” (as in Star Trek) into which holographic images are displayed; a legitimate neural-based interface offering a direct pathway between the brain and external devices; and virtual objects that extend into practically every facet of life and that behave much as they would in the natural world.
With Oculus Rift high-res surround VR and 4K TV already here, and Sharp’s 8K ultra high definition television (16 times the pixel resolution of HDTV) demonstrated at CES, real and virtual are merging, and ten years sounds conservative. I’m guessing within a few years, at least in demo mode. What do you think? — Editor
Comments (30)
by uncle23
touchless paper towel dispensers…doors….flushess….
by Paul in Vancouver
Touchless paper towel dispensers are the most over-rated and useless “technology” of the last 5 years. Manual paper towel dispensers were touchless long ago and worked perfectly fine. The new automated dispensers are slow as molasses, unreliable and dispense a few inches at a time in slow motion, meaning more line-ups and frustration. My local gym tried it for a couple years and switched back to the manual dispensers. Product designers and engineers take note!
by Dan Robinson
One thing that never made sense to me with holodecks was that people could be seemingly miles apart, while accually in the same room. For this and a lot more to be possilbe, it seems they’ll have to be able to manipulate all of our individual sense inputs to the brain.
by Robby777
If the technology for a holodeck is there, adjusting perspective would be easy- size, perspective, angles – all within holodeck capabilities
by Jim Mooney
Retailers deliver coupons? Duhh. No matter how advanced tech becomes, we are still weighted down by the concepts of an 18th century economic system.
by Noahfreak
I thought that one was juvenile as well. I think even if the current economic system remains, the time of the coupon has come and gone.
by Ian
Bring it on!
by Brian Roberts
+1 William Riker!!
by Ralph Dratman
With continually greater computer power and unfathomably large memory spaces, there are bound to be many compelling devices coming soon. That would be true even if there were no new science in the pipeline. On the contrary, new science is coming at us every day now.
In the past I have often hoped I would live long enough to “see the future” in terms of technology. That has now come to pass. In fact, with pretty good statistical life expectancy remaining, now I mainly hope not to be too overwhelmed by new devices on the way.
by Heartland
A 2-sense VR revolution (covering sight and hearing) is already in progress thanks to Oculus Rift. The only problem now is that very few people have access to the device, but, once consumer version is out, everyone will gain access. A whole VR industry is about to be born. Soon after, a two panel solution for the Rift will give at least 4K resolution per eye, then 8K. This will be enabled by the parallel 4K and 8K infrastructure that is progressing nicely. All the pieces are falling into place already with 4K TVs, 4K tablets (panasonic), 4K cameras (RED, Sony), h.265 codec (same quality at half the bits), IGZO technology, OLED (contrast ~ realism) and advancements in computer graphics. By the 3rd iteration of this device, VR will be so convincing that it will cause people to crave remaining senses to be added to the simulation, which will trigger a rapidly growing support for BCI research. Until that support materializes, right now, real Matrix-like simulation is more than 10 years away, but if it does materialize, things could snowball from there and serious research investments into BCIs aimed at bringing Matrix-like simulation could be happening as early as 2014. Then, who knows. Depending on the hardness of the problem, it could be 2 or 20 years before researchers know how to send simulated, sensory signals to the brain, which will be the new holy grail of VR. But, I’ve already seen some research last year into carbon microthreads that could interface with single neurons so that’s promising. My hope is for some early versions of this by 2020, assuming no AGI.
by curtis
I think a real Holodeck where you can touch and feel will be available with U-Fog or Foglets.
This will have a massive effect on relationships because artificial partners could be made to physical preference as well as given personalities and best of all a off switch. Both Males and Females will start having relationships with AI.
Help with population control.
by Eric
I can see them making a holo deck through image projection, but I can’t see it being able to replicate the physical part till a bit after when we can transport a plethora of atoms to combine into objects, then re-break down those atoms without killing the person inside. With things like Microsofts Illumiroom it does look like a version of what could be almost considered a holodeck will be here soon.
by David
With a bolodeck, virtual objects can be touched and felt. I doubt that will be possible in 10 years.
by Paul in Vancouver
I believe the early versions of a holodeck will require the user to wear a full-body “sensory suit” in order to simulate physical contact. Atleast that’s how I would do it until we learn to construct force fields (as in Star Trek).
by Sno
I don’t really think we’ll see holodecks, more like simulations with direct input into your five senses (neural interfaces).
by William Riker
I would imagine that once this is developed for male users to live out their sexual fantasies, woman will have a hard time adjusting due to the loss of sexual power they hold over men. I mean why put up with all that bitching when you can just fire up the holodeck and go about your business hassle free. All those gold diggers are going to have to find real jobs.
by Marcos Marin
So I guess this leaves me only one more decade to keep enjoying my monopoly over the non bitching[sic] part of all those women… hmm the future looks ever less fun… instant boredom and now THIS.
by thomas
touche!
by Andy Begeman
Looks like women are going to have to become allot looser in the future. Having your average female compete with this is going to be hard. Should be a game-changer for all males.
by Deeta
You need to find yourself a REAL woman Andy, then this sort of thing wouldn’t even cross your mind. Hint: Look for beauty, brains AND the experience to know what to do with it….
by Andy Begeman
I just told my girlfriend this – I got slapped – Thanks
by Ian Clarke
I think the loss of inhibition and scope for experimentation in such environments could make RW relationships more rewarding for both genders.
It could also help people conquer phobias in totally safe environments, and perhaps give tardis-like increases to accomodation areas.
by Bri
What makes you all think that women wouldn’t seek their hearts desires in VR. I think the movie Inception gives a good peek at what VR will be like. When it really comes the level of fantasy will far exceed our wildest imaginings.
by Bri
Sweet!
by Gorden Russell
We’ve been talking about this for a long time. Isn’t everybody excited?
by Doug McPheters
It’s already here – operate electronics by simply interacting with holographic images of what would otherwise be keys or buttons, floating freely in the air. Intuitive, touchless controls that are easy to use, have no moving parts and no contamination transfer issues. Check out http://www.holotouch.com.
by Editor
Interesting. You apparently are affiliated with HoloTouch, so can you project (pun intended) when the technology will be able to generate room-size surround images (or perhaps illusions of them)?
by Doug McPheters
Our widely patented technology deals with interacting with holographic images to operate equipment and how to make devices using it compact and commercially useful. As holographic images become larger and more easily manipulated and refreshed, there will be still more applications for our innovative technology.
by cameronarndt
I was super excited by this commend, went to the site, read everything, and it looks like vaporware. They have a few patents on the concepts but no evidence of an actual working system.
by Doug McPheters
Perhaps you missed some of the practical adaptations of HoloTouch(r) HMI technology such as the replacement for exit switches one sees in hospitals (icon of a wheelchair) that people hit or punch to open doors – ours has been working for coming up on three years in a high traffic area where traditional switches last six to eight weeks. Only 3 basic parts: hologram, reproducing light source and sensor – intuitive, touchless, no parts to break and no contamination issues.