Proto Unveils Groundbreaking Holographic Communication Platform

 

In a significant leap for digital communication, US startup Proto has introduced what it claims to be the world’s first holographic communications platform, transforming the way we connect from a distance. With its innovative technology, Proto is capable of beaming life-size, “3D” videos into various venues including universities, hotels, and medical centers, creating a sense of presence that traditional video calls can’t match.

At the core of this groundbreaking platform is a hulking device weighing over 400 pounds and towering higher than most NBA players. Despite its size, the Proto box utilizes sophisticated graphical techniques to generate the illusion of three-dimensional imagery. This is achieved through the clever use of shadows and reflections that trick the viewer’s brain into perceiving a three-dimensional figure inside the box.

David Nussbaum, founder and CEO of Proto, recounted a recent success story: “We just beamed William Shatner from Los Angeles to Orlando for a convention he couldn’t physically attend.” The technology enables both pre-recorded and live video feeds, compatible with any 4K camera, even an iPhone. While not strictly holograms, the results create an engaging experience for viewers.

Proto offers a range of products, including the Proto Epic and a newly launched economical version called Proto Luma, starting at $29,000 and $65,000, respectively. For those seeking a more compact option, the Proto M, which is 30 inches tall and weighs just under 30 pounds, is available for $5,900. Businesses can also lease a full-size model for $2,500 per month.

Currently, Proto operates as a business-to-business entity, boasting clients such as Amazon, Verizon, Siemens, Accenture, and the NFL. Nussbaum envisions a future where their smallest device can be placed in living rooms for under $1,000, allowing families to connect in a more immersive way. “You’re seeing me like I’m actually there. That means our conversation is more authentic and engaging,” he stated.

The Proto boxes have already made their mark in various prestigious locations, including JFK airport and the Beverly Wilshire hotel in Beverly Hills, where they serve as high-tech concierge systems. The technology has also found a home in academia, with partnerships established with several universities, such as MIT and Stanford, to facilitate guest lectures from around the globe. Professor Gary Burnett from Loughborough University shared that students felt a strong sense of presence with the holographic speakers, enhancing their learning experience.

Additionally, Proto has expanded its reach into healthcare. A partnership with the West Cancer Center in Memphis has enabled physicians to connect with patients in remote areas, providing a superior alternative to traditional telehealth formats. Dr. W. Clay Jackson emphasized the importance of non-verbal communication in delivering complex medical information, highlighting how the life-size, three-dimensional images improve patient engagement. One patient noted that the experience far surpassed typical telehealth visits, making them feel much closer to the doctor.

Nussbaum has even adopted the technology for personal use, allowing his children in Los Angeles to connect with their grandparents in New Jersey. “Sure, you could communicate, but you can’t connect,” he remarked. Proto’s technology offers a glimpse into a future where distance becomes less of a barrier to meaningful relationships.

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