Merge Cube featured in The American Society of Mechanical Engineers Magazine

One of the biggest tools in teaching children about science and engineering are visuals, where kids can see what concepts are being presented.

Merge Cube featured in The American Society of Mechanical Engineers Magazine
Teaching tool lets users manipulate AR images. Image: Merge Cube

STEM educators are always keen to put their subjects in front of students at an early age. One of the biggest tools in teaching children about science and engineering are visuals, where kids can see what concepts are being presented. In an example of new technologies introduced to elementary schools, a virtual reality tool puts 3D objects like the human heart, fossils or galaxies in the hands of young students.

The Merge Cube is a soft block of foam inscribed with raised patterns that interacts with an app and the camera of a computer, tablet or smartphone to show a three-dimensional image. While the cube does not have any haptic sensors, users do get a “feel” for the object while they turn or manipulate the six-faced block.