Japanese toilets are becoming even more modern.

Most of us have probably heard a few words about Japanese toilets - how they are modern, automatic, and futuristic. This is true, and the Japanese show us that they can go even further by presenting a toilet with a holographic display.

How does it work?

The Japanese company Murakami Corporation, with the help of Parity Innovations, will equip intelligent toilets with holographic displays.
For the user, this will not be a novelty that they cannot handle, as the principle of operation is similar to a normal touch screen.

In the air, there is a "button" that is a reflection of the light source, which is the displayed image showing an icon. The reflection is focused in the air particles, and infrared sensors detect when someone "touches" the displayed image.
A similar solution is also planned to be introduced in Japan in ATMs, elevators, and many other public use devices.

But does anyone need it?

Many people may see this innovation as a case of form over substance, because after all, a standard toilet serves the exact same purpose as this more intelligent one. Of course, we will do the exact same thing in both toilets, but the reason for implementing such technology seems justified when we read the explanation provided by the designers.
The main reason for introducing such advanced technology to the toilet is the COVID-19 pandemic. For almost a year, and in some countries even longer, we have been fighting the disease caused by the coronavirus strain. We are bombarded with warnings about excessive physical contact with other people at every turn. This invention is meant to prevent such contact.

So does it actually make sense?

Yes, absolutely. With the population density in a country like Japan and the number of potential users of such equipped toilets, the effects can be significant. Any opportunity to limit the spread of the virus is much needed right now.
The solution implemented in Japan is not only a technological curiosity, but also a real method for more hygienic use of a public place, which is the toilet.