In the past, several academic research projects had already been initiated with the aim of keeping a Computer input pointing (haptic) device continuously suspended in space. Up to now the success has been limited, despite significant technical efforts (see reference below*).
The required function is related to a basic human skill that is learned from early childhood in the form of manual grasping movements such as grasping food and guiding it to the mouth, and associated brain development relating to this spatial imagination.


Future uses may focus on enhanced human-computer interfacing for simple,

intuitive operation of computers with little familiarisation, based on an

interactive 3D operating system that realises the potential of 3D distance

representation with suitable monitors and the replacement of surface navigation

with space navigation (using an x,y,z cursor). Space icons would take the place

of surface icons, and space segments would be used as hotspots and entry points

for mode switching. Users will be able to master unfamiliar software playfully

and with minimum familiarisation through enhanced intuitiveness based on space

icons, a suitable space configuration and a descriptive background similar to a

stage set. Existing standard applications would benefit from the fact that the

user group would expand to include laypeople. Complex design tasks can be

streamlined, and the number of individual steps can be reduced. Overall, the

device should provide impetus for further rationalisation of the whole

economic/industrial added value chain, which has already experienced an

enormous performance boost over recent decades through computer-based

applications and automation.

*For example the Magnetic Levitation Haptic Device with an application range of just a few centimetres. It is a priceless, large experimental device (Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, approx. 1997) that is commercially reproduced by Butterfly Haptics. (the annotation may contain protected names.)