One of the most beautiful aspects of science
... is that while there is so much we can see and smell and taste, there is such a large universe full of
things we can't directly observe. What's more, the phenomena we learn about in science class — magnetism,
pressure, or chemical structure, to name a few — aren't simply present in some remote time or space, they're
everywhere around us — a beautiful new world to explore. Imagine if we could see them as naturally as we
see light or colour. Imagine if we could see what can't be seen...
A diverse array of inexpensive sensors
The Tricorder Project aims to bring a diverse array of inexpensive sensors together in an accessible,
easy to use, handheld design that can be easily kept close in a pocket or bag. More than simply bringing
the technology to people, the Tricorder aims to provide intuitive ways of visualizing data — so you might
see magnetic fields, temperature, or polarization as naturally as you see colour.
Imagine if you were unable to see colour, all of the things you'd miss
In a similar way, asking the question "Where would I use a Tricorder?" is like trying to describe all of the places you use colour. There are many applications for the Tricorder we can think of — from imaging to science education and environmental monitoring — but mostly, it's designed for the ones that you imagine. We're excited to learn about the world, and we hope you are too.