Japan Exclusive Development of Self-Developed Mirror Reflector Sheets, Expected for Application in Operating Rooms and Public Facilities

The Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI) has completed a prototype of a non-contact interface technology that allows users to directly manipulate images projected in mid-air with their fingers by replacing core components of aerial holograms, which have been exclusively supplied by Japanese companies, with domestic source technology. It is assessed that a technological foundation has been laid for next-generation user interfaces (UI) free from infection concerns, along with the localization of materials and components that previously relied heavily on imports.


ETRI announced on the 21st that it has developed 'Hovering Hologram' technology, which allows users to manipulate a screen in mid-air with their fingers by combining it with a spatial touch sensor.

The key is the localization of mirror reflector sheets, which have previously relied entirely on imports.

The research team produced a high-resolution mirror reflector sheet measuring 10cm × 10cm using a proprietary manufacturing method that combines polymer materials with photolithography and imprinting processes.

Pseudo-holograms are a technology that reproduces light generated from a display in mid-air through a mirror reflector.

You can visually check images floating in the air without separate glasses or a screen, and if linked with a spatial touch sensor, you can operate them directly with your finger.

The research team also succeeded in producing a prototype that creates aerial holographic images using a self-developed sheet, and the technology was recently unveiled at the 'WIS 2026 ICT Technology Exhibition Festival'.

Applications of this technology include surgical wound tracking monitors, glasses-free medical displays, contactless guidance systems for public facilities, elevator buttons, and smart massage chair control devices.

With the increasing demand to reduce contact with shared touchscreens following the spread of infectious diseases, it is reported that there is high potential for application, particularly in medical institutions and multi-use facilities.

“It is significant that we have localized core components of pseudo-holograms, which were previously entirely dependent on overseas sources, using domestic technology,” said Kim Ju-yeon, a principal researcher at ETRI. “By advancing the integration technology with spatial touch sensors, users can freely [view] aerial images."We will continue to improve the level of perfection to the point where it can be manipulated," he said.

This research was conducted with support from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy's Electronic Components Industry Technology Development Project, specifically the 'Development and Demonstration of New Market Creation Display Technology' task.

The research team plans to further develop spatial touch functions to conduct pilot tests at domestic public institutions and explore entering the global market through overseas exhibitions in the Middle East and the United States.