For the first time, scientists have created holograms in mid-air that you can actually touch and move with your hands—no virtual reality glasses needed.
This exciting breakthrough was made by a research team including Dr. Elodie Bouzbib from the Public University of Navarra in Spain and several colleagues from the Institute of Smart Cities.
What we often call “holograms” in movies are usually just special effects. But the team has built something real: a true 3D display, called a volumetric display.
This technology creates images that appear to float in the air and can be seen from different angles, just like real objects. What makes this even more impressive is that you can now reach out, grab, and move these virtual objects using your hands.
Until now, some companies like Voxon Photonics and Brightvox had created 3D displays, but none of them allowed people to physically interact with the floating images.
Lead researcher Asier Marzo explains that their new display lets users touch and move virtual objects, just like we move apps or photos on a smartphone screen.
This kind of interaction is natural and easy for people to use.
The system works using a fast-moving screen, called a diffuser, which flashes nearly 3,000 images per second.
Our brains blend these images into a 3D shape thanks to a visual trick called persistence of vision. But in older versions, the diffuser was stiff and could break or hurt someone if touched during operation.
To solve this, the researchers used a soft, elastic material instead. This was tricky because elastic materials bend and stretch, which can distort the image. The team carefully tested different materials and adjusted the visuals to make sure the 3D graphics still looked right, even on the flexible surface.
The result is a hologram you can reach into—literally. You could pick up a floating cube between your fingers or use your hands to move or rotate shapes. The system is so sensitive that you could even mimic walking with your fingers or explore the eye socket of a 3D skull model.
This technology could have many uses. In education, students could explore 3D models of engines or human anatomy without needing special glasses. In museums, visitors could interact with exhibits simply by walking up to them. And because no headsets are needed, multiple people can explore the same 3D display at once.
The research will be presented at the CHI 2025 conference in Japan, where top tech companies like Apple, Microsoft, Meta, and Adobe will also share new ideas. It’s a big step forward in how we see—and now touch—digital content.
