In our last post, we introduced our Future-Talk 3D readers to "circle 3D." In this posting, we will address some of the potential educational applications for volumetric 3D.
Headquartered in Ames
(IA) with a team in L.A, MICOY’s mission
is
to evolve the spherical 3D Market (volumetric
stereo). Their ultimate goal, offers CEO Pierce, is
“to create a platform for developers to build applications in all types of
markets.”
The use cases for this technology are myriad. Beyond the
obvious applications within the gaming and entertainment industry, MICOY sees a
real role for volumetric 3D within medical education. He believes that
volumetric 3D will soon be used to provide physical therapy, treat depression, and support those suffering with
PTSD. Pierce tells the story of a friend, a former NFL player, who was in an
accident that left the athlete quadriplegic. Pierce placed a prototype virtual
reality helmet on his friend and allowed his friend to virtually run down a bicycle
path in a park, showing some live action footage they had shot. “When we took
the helmet off his head, tears were running down his cheek,” The formal NFL
player cried “ I haven’t sensed and had the feeling of motion since before my
accident, and you just had me running through the park.”
Pierce
also sees the potential for engineering departments, design and manufacturing
teams, and molecular scientists to be able to ‘sculpt’ designs, parts, or
biomolecules in real time 3D.
Of course, the
educational applications for this technology are legion. MICOY has their eye
firmly set on virtual reality
training simulations, including high-stakes training that can save lives by
putting anyone inside a physical environment at any time.
In terms of K12 and
post-graduate education, my mind also races with the possibilities. Imagine
being lifted out of your current reality and being transported into the middle
of a cacophonous room in Independence Hall in the sweltering heat of the first
few days of July in 1776. The debate and eventual ratification of the
Declaration of Independence by the Continental Congress occurs all around you.
Gone is the fourth wall. You are now part of the intense arguments,
negotiations, and compromises that came out of that room to touch history.
None of this is
really “pie in the sky.” I’ve been to the dome, been in the dome, and I’ve seen
this technology first hand.