Researchers at Akishima Laboratories in Japan at have recently developed a very cool device that can draw and write on water.

How does it work? 50 wave-machines set up in a circle within a pool generate specifically timed currents that meet up to form temporary images in the water. So far, the machine is able to produce the entire alphabet as well as some simple kanji characters.

How are the waves timed? According to calculations based on Bessel Functions too complicated for me to paraphrase, so you can click the link and look at scary equations, if you are so inclined.

The lab is expecting the technology to be used at amusement parks and hotels. I am forced to imagine the branding potential of this technology. The world is 3/4 water…that’s a lot of free billboard space.