HOLODECK – THE NEW FUTURE

Hologram- a three-dimensional image formed by the interference of light beams from a laser or other coherent light source

 

 

During the early twenty-first century, holograms were no longer only present in science fiction. The science behind holograms were no longer a mystery and in fact were used in many instances such as during the League of Legend Championships in South Korea in 2018. However, holograms only create an image, like the definition stated. A hologram cannot be touched and could be easily obstructed. This is where the difference between a hologram and the holodeck come in. The holodeck is a system that has the ability to simulate the objects that parallel that in the real world. The properties of these simulations are made possible through the use a varying number of nanosized robots controlled by a program.

What Are Nanobots?

Nanobots are exactly what they sound like, nanosized robots. Commonly seen used in the medical field, they are known for its ability to be programmed and function as a normal sized robot. To put the size of these robots into perspective, a strand of human hair ranges from eighty to one hundred thousand nanometers wide- these robots are one nanometer in overall size. The holodeck works with the use of nanobots because when a program is entered, the millions of nanorobots scatter to imitate the programmed object by working and interconnecting with each other and changingtheir appearance accordingly.

 

Imitating the Object and Environment

Nanobots have the ability to replicate objects because of their versatility. Aside from changing their physical appearance on que, these robots can also change their exterior to allude to a change in texture. Their flexible physical makeup allows for it to change its own density according to the program. For example, a tree would make the nanorobots reinforce their interior while creating the ridges on the trunk. A water simulation would result in a buoyant like exterior and mirror its surrounds to allude transparency.

 

Movement Within the Holodeck

Because the area of a holodeck can only be so vast, the nanobots also have the job of creating the perception of a never-ending, infinite environment. When the user(s) move within the holodeck, they are actually moving on a treadmill like platform. This platform tracks the movement and signals for the program to alter the nanobots accordingly to alter the projections. By the wise use of shadows, the nanobots are able to trick the eyes into thinking objects have moved further. This of course also means that more nanobots are needed to create the environment that is further away and one that is closer. Instead of needing millions more of new nanobots on standby in the holodeck, what actually is done is that the nanobots from the further environment can be replaced by the traditional hologram. This is because there is no need to replicate the physical properties, such as touch texture since they’re no longer being interacted with by the user anymore.

Conclusion

The holodeck creates the ability for one to take risks without the consequences. It has many purposes that range from building up survival skills to pure leisure. Nanobots are durable and easily replaced. Programs are simple to make and are autonomous while the holodeck is in use in order to allow the users to feel as if they’re in a reality they possess no control over.