Recompose is a new system for manipulation of an actuated surface. By collectively utilizing the body as a tool for direct manipulation alongside gestural input for functional manipulation, they show how a user is afforded unprecedented control over an actuated surface. It was developed by Matt Blackshaw, David Lákatos, Anthony Devincenzi, Daniel Leithinger, Hiroshi Ishii from MIT Media Lab’s Tangible Media Group. They describe a number of interaction techniques exploring the shared space of direct and gestural input, demonstrating how their combined use can greatly enhance creation and manipulation beyond unaided human capability. Check out the video below. via media.mit.edu/recompose
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Paolo Robuffo Giordano and his colleagues at the Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics, in Tübingen, Germany have developed a giant robotic arm that is basically a full motion F1 race car simulator. Subjects sit in a cabin on a robotic arm about 2 meters off the ground and drive a Ferrari F2007 car around a projected F1 track with force-feedback steering wheel and pedals. The robot arm is a Robocoaster, a modified six-axis Kuka KR 500 that can lift up to 500 kg. It’s usually found in amusement parks and normally does not allow users any control. Giordano and his collaborators want to use it to study how we perceive motion. “A motion simulation system is a fundamental tool to understand how humans experience the sensation of motion.” “By running suitable experiments, one can gain better insights into the cognitive processes of the human brain.” Video after the break. via BLDGBLOG and IEEE Spectrum
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One Hundred and Eight by Nils Volker, is an interactive wall-mounted Installation mainly made out of ordinary garbage bags. Controlled by a microcontroller each of them is selectively inflated and deflated in turn by two cooling fans.
Although each plastic bag is mounted stationary the sequences of inflation and deflation create the impression of lively and moving creatures which waft slowly around like a shoal. But as soon a viewer comes close it instantly reacts by drawing back and tentatively following the movements of the observer. As long as he remains in a certain area in front of the installation it dynamically reacts to the viewers motion. As soon it does no longer detect someone close it reorganizes itself after a while and gently restarts wobbling around. Videos and more images after the break. via Nils Volker
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From Icon comes news of the Zamani Project, a fascinating research initiative in which University of Cape Town scientists render the African landscape in 3-D. Through photography, laser-scanning, and a slew of other mapping techniques we’ve never heard of (photogrammetry? say what?) — they’re compiling a uniquely comprehensive digital database of Africa’s built environment, from Persian baths in Zanzibar to mosques in Timbuktu. As best we can tell, it’s the largest documentation endeavor of its kind.
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