It’s what the future of video chat looks like.

The fans of Star Wars and Star Trek sci-fi series can finally clap their hands: one of their favorite fantasies has finally come true and they may experience communication via holograms during this lifetime.

While holograms are not new, University of Sussex researchers announced that they have developed technology that creates holograms which users not only can see, but also hear and feel – using inspiration from vintage movies.

The invention is called the Multimodal Acoustic Trap Display (MATD), as detailed in a paper published in the journal Nature this week. The device operates by using ultrasound waves to suspend and manipulate a tiny polystyrene bead, just two millimeters wide, in midair.

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As the bead moves, it traces the shape of a 3D object while red, green, and blue LEDs illuminate it. Because the bead moves so rapidly, the human eye perceives a solid, three-dimensional image — similar to how a series of fast-moving still frames create the illusion of motion.

The prototype uses a colored particle that moves so quickly through 3D space that the naked eye perceives a floating, volumetric image, Ryuji Hirayama, one of the lead researchers, explained in the university statement.

The ultrasound waves do more than just move the bead — they also produce sound and tactile sensations. Although ultrasound is inaudible to humans, it is still a mechanical wave carrying energy through the air. The device directs and focuses this energy, allowing researchers to create audible sounds and even physical feedback that can be felt on skin.

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Looking ahead, the researchers believe future versions of the MATD could use multiple beads to produce more detailed and complex holograms. Even more promising, the technology could soon become available to consumers.

The MATD was built using affordable, commercially available components, which makes it commercially feasible.

This innovation will change the way people experience digital content and will prop up audiovisual communication to a new level. With technology delivering interactive holograms, in the not-so-far future we’ll be able to study, entertain ourselves, and work remotely.

Just imagine the digital librarian from the 2002 sci-fi Time Machine teaching kids sitting around him. This is no longer science fiction.

For visual effects about the MATD watch this video:

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