US startup Proto is pioneering what it calls the "first holographic communications platform," bringing life-size, "3D" video projections to various sectors such as education, hospitality, and healthcare. The company's innovative device, a substantial box weighing over 400 pounds, creates the illusion of three-dimensionality through sophisticated visual techniques, effectively tricking the brain into perceiving a person within it.

Proto's technology supports both pre-recorded and live video feeds and is compatible with any 4K camera, including smartphones. While not true holograms, these projections are designed to appear so lifelike that they cast shadows and reflections, enhancing the sense of presence.

The company, founded by David Nussbaum in 2018, has made significant strides, selling nearly 1,000 units and boasting a clientele that includes major corporations like Amazon, Verizon, and Walmart. Proto offers a range of products, from the towering and high-priced Proto Epic to the more accessible, desktop Proto M, priced at $5,900.

Despite the high cost, Proto is exploring a lease option for its full-size model at $2,500 a month, aiming to make its technology more widely available. The company has also started working with universities worldwide, offering a more immersive and engaging learning experience compared to traditional video calls.

In the healthcare sector, Proto's technology is being used to connect doctors with patients in remote areas, providing a more personal and effective telehealth experience. Physicians at West Cancer Center have found that the holographic projections facilitate better communication, especially when delivering complex or challenging news to patients.

Proto's technology is not the only one of its kind; similar systems by companies like Holoconnects and Google's Project Starline are also entering the market, promising to revolutionize video conferencing and remote communication.

Nussbaum envisions a future where a consumer version of Proto's technology could be available for under $1,000, making it a common feature in living rooms across the country. As Proto continues to develop and refine its products, it offers a glimpse into the potential of holographic communication to bridge distances and enhance human connection.