Glowing square

A glowing square is a technology used in training by the Galactic Federation. Samus Aran uses one at the beginning of Metroid: Other M, whilst practicing her skills in an empty training room.

After Samus uses her Morph Ball and lays Bombs, the Head Quarantine Officer instructs her to stand in the middle of the room. The central tile, this square, begins to emanate a blue glow, on which the numbers 0 and 1 can be seen constantly flowing - these numbers are used in binary code. The camera shifts to a perspective over Samus's shoulder as she lowers her Arm Cannon until she stands on the square. Proceeding onto it causes the floor to suddenly give way in a grid-like pattern, showing that it is only a hologram. Samus falls to the bottom of a shaft, and is asked to demonstrate the Kick Climb ability to get back up. Once she has left the shaft, it will close up and not be usable for the remainder of Samus's training time.

Whether this technology is used in training by GFMC personnel or the Federation Force is unknown.