Do you know who would’ve survived Jurrasic Park?
Everyone.
If only the scientists and engineers decided to pursue holographic technologies instead of cloning, then John Hammond might’ve been successful, and everyone would’ve been alive.
That’s exactly what Bruce Dell, CEO of Axiom, is doing in our world today. He has built a Hologram Zoo in Brisbane, Australia.
I’m not going to go too much into the technology itself by do know that you have to use some sort of 3D glasses. They also have a variety of ways that you can see holograms including a full room, on a table, from the wall, and even through a walkway tunnel. They use advanced laser light projectors that help create a 3D image within your perception. When you’re walking around, you can see animals from all angles, and popping out from the screens.
So, if the technology is well accepted, it can provide a different point of view (literally) in many educational subjects. When it comes to zoos, the students will be able to get closer to dangerous animals and be in a 360° environment from where the animal lives.
When it comes to jobs, I believe it can open new job opportunities to individuals who love animals and technology. Zoologists, Historians, Biologists, and conservationists can become advisors to make sure the technology reflects animal behavior as closely as it does in reality.
However, after reviewing some comments that people have written about their experience at Hologram Zoo, it wasn’t too great. Some have said that the cost wasn’t reflected appropriately. They felt underwhelmed by the technology, and the time spent was too short.
It’s a little disappointing to hear, but this technology has come a long way. It’s different from traditional 3D movies, 4D interactive experiences, and virtual reality.
To me, it’s still in its infancy, and it has many pathways it can head into.
If it can be combined with haptic feedback gloves, it will make the user feel the holographic animals as solid objects. Imagine if you’re able to “pick up” a lizard and feel its weight. If a suit is implemented, you should be able to feel the weight of a tiger leaning against you without the dangerous aspect of it.
If we’re talking about a tiger brushing up against your body, I believe that artificial intelligence will be playing a role here. How else will an animal feel natural? I think it would be cool that when you have your hand out, a penguin will be curious about you and come over instead of following a set routine.
Of course, when it comes to the zoo itself, there are probably many questions and concerns that people may bring up. A few that I have are:
- Will fear be non-existent since people can get closer to dangerous animals than before?
- How quickly will newly discovered animals be implemented?
- Would families be interested in Holographic Pets?
Are there any other questions, concerns, or insights that should be addressed?
When it comes to the future, will we be in one where this technology is not welcomed and we continue to see traditional zoos? I understand the beneficial aspects of seeing live animals in person. Nothing can beat the feeling of warm fur, sensing the sharp claws, and seeing the vibrant colors of these magnificent creatures. This is how children become curious about life on our planet, and what people, like Steve Irwin, love to do for a living.
However, if Hologram Zoos were to become popular, this might cause competition with traditional Zoos. Instead of an entertainment focus, traditional Zoos will become much stronger in conservation and animal welfare in hopes of attracting people. If Holograms can mimic real animals with AI, this can reduce the number of enclosed animals, and create more room for endangered species with better habitats.
Whatever future will happen, I hope it can be something similar to Night at the Museum. If powerful holograms are used instead of robotics, and they can interact with people with 4D experience, I think it will be a great and unique way for children to learn about animals.
Maybe even attend a real-life Jurassic Park to see dinosaurs someday, without fear of getting stomped on or becoming food!