MIT Media Lab shows off Fluid Interfaces
The MIT Media Lab celebrates its 25th anniversary today with new computer technology from their Fluid Interfaces department that’s already making waves. The first of these is a robotic lamp called LuminAR, which will change the way people use computers. With a flick of a wrist or a pointed finger, people will be able to expand their computer to the room and furniture surrounding it. The examples which MIT displayed included projecting a digital keyboard onto a tabletop and starting a Skype session with a touch.The LuminAR device combines a Pico-projector, camera, and wireless computer combined into a multipurpose bulb, which is housed in a robotic arm. Imagine the lamp from the Pixar animated openings, but with the capabilities of a droid from Star Wars. The LuminAR isn’t only compatible with computers, either. Researchers are also experimenting with using the device to enhance magazine reading. Another application would have it installed in retail stores, allowing people quick digital access to more information about the bowl of cereal or cell phone they’re holding. LuminAR screws into a light socket and can be moved easily around the house.Also on MIT’s list of surprises was the MemTable, which combines a computer and table. Using projectors, the MemTable displays keyboards and documents that can be moved around the table, then tagged for later viewing. MIT also displayed a new laser-based system which would allow people to replace archaic mouse devices without having to use tiring gesture-based computing. The projects shown off by MIT show that the Media Lab is still devoted to expanding the possibilities of computers, and to bringing those possibilities out in artistic and creative ways.