ZeroN - Levitated Interaction Element - YouTube

ZeroN is a physical and digital interaction element that floats and moves in space by computer-controlled magnetic levitation.
http://www.leejinha.com/zeron
http://tangible.media.mit.edu

Researchers developed a magnetic control system that can levitate and set the ZeroN in motion in a pre-defined 3D volume, which is combined with an optical tracking and display setup that projects images onto the levitating object.

As noted, though ZeroN offers different practical applications like the simulations of planetary movements, Lee emphasized on a superior symbolism behind his creation. "ZeroN is about liberating materials from the constraints of space and time by blending the physical and digital world," he wrote.

The researchers said in a paper that ZeroN served as a tangible representation of a 3D coordinate of the virtual world through which users could see, feel, and control computation. Their goal is to allow users to take physical components of tabletop tangible interfaces off the surface and place them in the air.

"We also envision that ZeroN could be extended for the manipulation of holographic displays. When 3D display technologies mature in the future, levitated objects can be directly coupled with holographic images projected in the air," the researchers wrote.

"One could imagine interfaces where discrete objects become like 3D pixels, allowing users to create and manipulate forms with their hands."