A rollable tablet that fits in your pocket

MagicScroll, the first of its kind, can be used as a phone, dictation device or pointing device.   | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

In a first, scientists have developed a rollable touch-screen tablet — taking inspiration from ancient scrolls to create a modern-day device.

The device, called MagicScroll, is comprised of a high-resolution flexible display that can be rolled or unrolled around a central, 3D-printed cylindrical body containing the device’s computerised inner-workings.

Two rotary wheels at either end of the cylinder allow the user to scroll through information on the touch screen. When a user narrows in on an interesting piece of content that they would like to examine more deeply, the display can be unrolled and function as a tablet display.

Its light weight and cylindrical body makes it much easier to hold with one hand than a traditional tablet. When rolled up, it fits your pocket and can be used as a phone, dictation device or pointing device.

“We were inspired by the design of ancient scrolls because their form allows for a more natural, uninterrupted experience of long visual timelines,” said Roel Vertegaal, a professor at the Queen’s University in Canada.

The MagicScroll’s scroll wheel allows for infinite scroll action for quick browsing through long lists.

The device’s rotary wheels contain robotic actuators that allows it to physically move or spin in place in various scenarios.