ZeroN: Levitated Interaction Element

Overview

The dream of liberating physical matter from gravity has existed for millennia. It is an idea found in mythology, sought after by alchemists, and visualized in science fiction. In this work, we have created a space that gives a glimpse into the possibilities of such a future where materials are free from gravitational constraints by blending the physical and digital worlds.

ZeroN is a new tangible interaction element that can be levitated and moved freely by computer in three dimensions. Both the computer and the user can move ZeroN simultaneously, allowing humans and computers to physically interact with one another in space. Users are invited to place or move the ZeroN just as they can place any other objects on surfaces.

Once levitated, ZeroN's behavior can be digitally programmed. For example, users can place the sun above physical objects to cast digital shadows, or place a planet that will start revolving based on simulated physical conditions.

ZeroN can also record the user's motion, allowing it to be preserved and played back indefinitely. When a user moves and releases ZeroN, it continues to float and starts to move along the same path, creating a unique, tangible record of the user's physical presence and motion.

Technical Details

To realize this vision, we developed a magnetic control system that can levitate and actuate a permanent magnet in a pre-defined 3D volume. This is combined with an optical tracking and display system that projects images on the levitating object. Conventional levitation only enables levitating an object at one point. In the ZeroN Project, users can move a levitated object to anywhere in a predefined 3D space and leave it there without dropping it because the system constantly readjusts both magnetically and mechanically.

Press Coverage

• FastCodesign: MIT Creates Amazing UI From Levitating Orbs

• ACM TechNews

• GIZMODO: Magically Levitating Balls Could Be the Future of Computer Interfaces

• Engadget: ZeroN slips surly bonds, re-runs your 3D gestures in mid-air

• MIT Media Lab Labcast: ZeroN

• WIRED's Bruce Sterling: I lack any blog category for this interesting MIT interaction design student project

• WIRED's Bruce Sterling: Showtime: ZeroN from MIT Media Lab

• Designboom: MIT media lab: zeroN

• The Blaze: your eyes aren't fooling you- this ball is levitating

• The Verge: ZeroN magnetic levitation system can playback movements in space

• Educatedearth.net: ZeroN - MIT's Revolutionary Computer Interface

• PopSci: MIT's Latest User Interface Employs Gravity-Defying, Levitating Metal Orbs

• Gizmag: ZeroN system holds a ball wherever you place it, in mid-air

• ALT1040

• International Business Times

• Spiegel Online: Mensch-Maschine-SchnittstelleInteragieren über schwebende Kugel

• Hungary: index.hu - Antigravitációs kezelőfelületet mutatott be az MIT