Disney has long been known as an innovator in entertainment, but in 21st century well rendered animation just isn’t going to cut it with audiences. In an effort to create richer experiences Disney Research is developing technologies that bring us into our entertainment.
A new technology, named AIREAL is a “low cost, highly scalable haptic technology that delivers expressive tactile sensations in mid air. AIREAL enables users to feel virtual objects, experience dynamically varying textures and receive feedback on full body gestures, all without requiring the user to wear a physical device.”
In addition nearly every piece of the AIREAL technology is 3D printed, that includes the machines enclosure, flexible nozzle, and it’s pan and tilt gimble.
According to Disney, “AIREAL is part of our long term vision for creating large-scale computer augmented environments which can deliver compelling interactive experiences seamlessly, everywhere and at anytime. Free air tactile feedback technology is a key element of these future interactive spaces with a wide range of applications including gaming and story telling, mobile interfaces, and gesture control among many others.”
Watch a Video of the AIREAL in Action:
Images Courtesy of Disney Research