A new holographic technology is making waves to bridge the gap between the real and virtual worlds.
1. Proto’s “Epic” hologram system
The original, patented hologram device from Proto M, created by a Los Angeles firm called Proto, was announced last week as a CES 2023 Innovation Awards Honoree in the category of Digital Health — the second year in a row. “It’s not communication, it’s holoportation,” reads the company’s website, promoting its cutting-edge technology. Proto’s “Epic” human-sized hologram system gives the impression that there is an actual person (or item) within its 2 meters machine, regardless of their geographical location. According to the firm, the Wi-Fi-enabled device can easily be plugged into a standard wall outlet, using a camera, white background and connection.
“I appear like I’m a guy trapped in a box. This is how I believe people should be broadcasting — with their full body. People see a full body and they can have a deeper connection with the person beaming in,” revealed Proto’s CEO David Nussbaum to MailOnline.
Nussbaum’s appearance was experienced in Proto’s $6,900 desktop, tablet-like version yet with the awarded product Proto M, the screen could still create a perception of depth, providing a digital experience where the person is actually “felt”. The cost of Proto Epic stands currently at $65,000, at least.
2. Medical industry
Proto’s technology is currently being used in the medical industry. The University of Central Florida’s College of Health Professions and Sciences have already “transported” a doctor from Australia to teach students in Florida. Moreover, Noah Rothstein, head of operations at Proto, told the publication FierceHealthcare that medical schools are interested in using the holoportation to help with diagnosing Parkinson’s disease patients. There is also interest in its uses for speech-language pathology and physical therapy.
The king of holoportation, Howie Mandel beamed from @ProtoHologram headquarters in LA to the University of Central Florida earlier today. When you can’t be there, beam there! pic.twitter.com/hgoGK35n5u
— david nussbaum (@theNuzzy) November 18, 2022
3. Proto M and AT&T
Hailing promising outcomes, the new holoportation technology was on display in Dallas, United States, on August 4 last year, providing an experience including spinning holograms and more. Telecommunications giant AT&T was an early adopter of Proto’s technology, having installed a Proto Epic in May 2021 at the AT&T Perch at Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta to allow fans to engage with Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United FC players during games, and later on using it at that year’s Major League Soccer All-Star Game at Banc of California Stadium in Los Angeles.
It’s thrilling to see the Proto M step out into the real world.
David Nussbaum, Proto’s CEO
“This activation is especially meaningful because it ties Proto to both the history and the future of telecommunications. We’re so proud that this first outing is with AT&T and CAA.”
