“Beaming” people anywhere in the world with David Nussbaum of Proto
Mar 28, 2024
auto_awesome
David Nussbaum, the founder of Proto, dives into the fascinating world of holoportation, a technology that projects lifelike holograms for real-time communication. He shares his inspiration from science fiction and explains how this innovation is already transforming classrooms and hospitals. Nussbaum envisions a future where holoportation becomes a household norm, revolutionizing everything from live performances to the shopping experience. He also discusses the ethical considerations and potential societal impacts of this groundbreaking technology.
Proto's holographic technology transforms communication with lifelike holograms, surpassing typical video calls.
David Nussbaum aims to democratize holographic technology for widespread adoption in various personal, educational, and commercial applications.
Deep dives
Proto's Innovation at CES Unveiled
Proto's showcased a groundbreaking communication technology at the Consumer Electronics Show, featuring a 3D human projection within a box resembling a hologram. The technology, developed by Proto's founder David Nussbaum, offers a hyper-realistic interactive experience surpassing conventional video calls like Zoom or FaceTime. Inspired by a childhood love for broadcasting and comedy, Nussbaum ventured into this innovative journey, initially embarking on podcasting ventures before launching Proto.
Revolutionizing Digital Resurrection Concerts
Drawing from his experience in holograms and broadcasting, Nussbaum transformed the concept of holographic concerts to produce lifelike holographic performances of late legends like Whitney Houston, Jackie Wilson, and more. The technology employed, including the technique known as Pepper's Ghost, resulted in remarkable displays, although challenges arose due to high costs and complex logistics. The company aimed to deliver awe-inspiring and unique concert experiences by combining iconic figures from different eras in unique performances.
Evolution of Proto's Communication Devices
Proto's vision extended beyond institutional use to include consumer-oriented holographic communication devices. Offering tabletop versions for around $6,000 and larger models at $60,000, Proto aimed to innovate communication experiences by creating true-to-life holographic interactions. Nussbaum envisioned a future where Proto devices serve as communal communication hubs, enhancing connections beyond conventional screen-based interfaces, revolutionizing how people connect and engage both personally and professionally.
Future Prospects and Accessibility of Proto Technology
As Proto seeks to broaden its market reach, the company intends to develop more affordable consumer products, potentially priced below $1,000. By prioritizing accessibility and enhancing functionality, Proto envisions its technology as a ubiquitous display medium adaptable for various applications beyond traditional communication. Nussbaum's goal is to democratize holographic technology, enabling widespread adoption for personal, educational, and commercial purposes, revolutionizing communication and interaction experiences for diverse user segments.
The popular science fiction idea of beaming someone instantly to another location was part of David Nussbaum’s inspiration to design a “holoportation box.” His company, Proto, invented a device the size of a telephone booth that projects a hologram-type image so realistic it appears someone is standing inside...
This week on How I Built This Lab, how Proto’s technology is used today to virtually transport professors, doctors, speakers, and celebrities to classrooms, hospitals, and events around the world. But in the future, David believes Proto’s technology will end up in everyone’s living room—and will transform the way we communicate with each other.
This episode was produced by Casey Herman with music by Ramtin Arablouei.
It was edited by John Isabella with research help from Sam Paulson. Our audio engineer was Neal Rauch.