Little Helper proximity sounder

Little Helpers
Little Helper Closeup

Little Helpers incorporate an ultrasonic sensor and a motor with Arduino resulting in a simple way to make environments more interactive -

Bodies moving through a space trigger motors, sounding whatever object they are attached to. Movements acquire a resonant trace. The use of movement as a trigger is intended to initiate performative engagement, drawing passersby into interactive exchange and making audible the impact of their movements upon their immediate surroundings.
Check out the project page for video and source code - Little Helpers



Related:

Recent Entries

Comments

Oldest comments listed first.

Posted by: Rasupitn on April 30, 2008 at 6:24 AM

Great idea (if a little pricey), but if the Boston police get all hot and bothered over circuit boards and people everywhere are getting their cameras lifted for taking "terrorist" snapshots, what's going to happen when you start leaving proximity fuses around?


Posted by: Will Schrimshaw on May 8, 2008 at 6:50 AM

yes, it is a bit pricey, I looked into building the ultrasound module myself, but it only saves a few quid and the time it would take makes up for what I'd save in cash. Using avr rather than a full arduino module saves space and cash, and makes them a bit more solid.

Luckily the police in Newcastle aren't quite as spooked about such things as those in NYC. Most people seem non plussed although builders, arty students and kids quite enjoy dancing around with them.

Will.


Leave a comment


Subscribe to MAKE!Subscribe to MAKE Magazine!

Subscribe today, save 42% and get web access to MAKE free. MAKE Digital Edition is available only to subscribers.

$34.95 / 1 year
(4 Quarterly Issues)

Subscribe now

How-to videos for Makers and Crafers!


Void your warranty, violate a user agreement, fry a circuit, blow a fuse, poke an eye out. Make: The risk-takers, the doers, the makers of things... Welcome to Make: Online!


CRAFT Maker Shed Maker Faire MAKE television
MAKE: en Español MAKE: Japan

Make: television
Make: television is here! Visit makezine.tv or iTunes to see all the episodes.

Connect with MAKE

Be a MAKE fan on Facebook MAKE on Facebook
Visit our Facebook page and become a fan of MAKE!
MAKE on Twitter MAKE on Twitter
Follow our MAKE tweets!
MAKE Flickr Pool MAKE on Flickr
Join our MAKE Flickr Pool!
    make_tips on Twitter

    MAKE's RSS feed is here.
    Add MAKE to iGoogle - GoogleGoogle.
    How to add MAKE to your RSS reader - Real simple.
    Add MAKE on FriendFeed


    Advertise here with FM.

    Why advertise on MAKE?
    Read what folks are saying about us!

    Click here to advertise on MAKE!

    MAKE wins Treehugger Best of Green Award

    MAKE wins Brit Insurance Design Award

    Subscribe to MAKE Magazine!

    Make: Online authors!

    Gareth Branwyn, Chris Connors (guest author), Collin Cunningham, Marc de Vinck, Peter Horvath (intern), Kip Kay, Goli Mohammadi, John Park, Sean Ragan, Becky Stern, Phillip Torrone

    Suggest a Site!

    Current Podcast

    itunesdl.gif Weekend Project: Fire Piston Make your own fire starter that uses compressed air and burns at 500 degrees! Thanks to Bill Gurstelle for showing us this at Maker Faire. To download The Fire Piston MP4 click here or subscribe in iTunes. Pick up... More...

    Get the Make: Online sent via email
    Enter your email to receive Make: Online each day:






    Subscribe to MAKE Magazine!

    Recent Posts from the Craft: Blog