A presence technology developed by the Tangible Media Group at MIT could push videoconferencing further in R&D applications. The concept, called inForm, delivers a physical rendering to 3D content. Developers describe it as a "Dynamic Shape Display" and have demonstrated its use in a video call, where it allows a participant to interact physically with remote objects.
Researchers say the display could be used
to visualise geospatial data, opening the doors to use
by urban planners and architects to view 3D
designs and share and discuss ideas. And collaboration
with MIT’s Changing Places group, which aims find new
strategies for creating living and working spaces, is
already underway.
InForm could also be used to
create physical 3D models quickly and at low cost.
Developers have mooted possible applications in medical and surgical manipulations.