InFORM (USA)

This object is not part of the Cooper Hewitt's permanent collection. It was able to spend time at the museum on loan from Tangible Media Group and MIT Media Lab as part of Tools: Extending Our Reach.

Imagine handling objects virtually and physically in real time, from thousands of miles away. The Tangible Media Group, led by MIT Media Lab’s Hiroshi Ishii, is working on such a user interaction, transforming how we may communicate and work in the future. One current project is inFORM, a dynamic-shape display that gives physical form to digital information: physical “pixels” on a table surface move in real time, in accordance with data from a motion-sensing input device. A depth-sensing camera sends signals from a remote location to the motorized-pin surface, where objects can be handled by virtual participants in a videoconference. This ability to interact physi¬cally creates a strong sense of presence. In addition, future three-dimensional designs will be physically prototyped, albeit at low resolution, without the need for 3D printing. Architects and urban planners will be able to share and discuss their designs immediately with clients—even miles apart.

This object was previously on display as a part of the exhibition Tools: Extending Our Reach.