This video absolutely blows me away. We seem to be moving away from using a simple 10″ multitouch display (iPads, Kindle Fire HD, etc.) and even multitouch tables (the original Microsoft Surface you probably saw at some conferences or hotel lobbies). Now, we’re getting into the ‘world’s largest’ category.

As of this posting, the world’s largest multitouch display is now up and running (and jaw-dropping) at the Queensland University of Technology in Australia. The installation is part of the school’s Science and Engineering Center. As you can see in the video above, it’s completely immersive, totally touch-sensitive, and could bring a lot of new experiences to students without having to take them on expensive field trips. In other words, you can bring the aquarium to the students rather than have them travel to it.

The whole thing reminds me of the Star Trek Holodeck. In case you’re not a trekkie like me, the holodeck is essentially a room that can become any environment you want. While it may have simply been a way for Star Trek producers to actually use different set designs, it was an innovative idea that seemed very futuristic. Now, with the unveiling of the Queensland University room of multitouch displays, it feels like we’re pretty close to achieving holodeck status.

The builder of the room, dubbed ‘The Cube‘ is MultiTaction and they installed 48 individual 55” screens that can handle an unlimited number of simultaneous touches. It’s a room-size iPad.

What would you use a room like this for? I think the aquarium in the video is just the beginning. What if you could do a live video chat where students were able to not just see the students … but also virtually walk around the room … break into groups, etc.? Incredible stuff.