Shadow Drones

Device interaction has evolved from command line input, to point and click, to multi-touch interface. This project explores the idea of using the entire body of a person to be the ‘controller’. This project proposes using real-time camera tracking to control physical objects in front of the viewer.  The genesis of this project comes from my work with the US drone strikes in Pakistan and meeting many people from all walks of life from Pakistan while living in the UAE.  In parts of Pakistan and in other conflict zones where surveillance drones are used, people modify their behaviour based on the drones flying overhead. In Shadow Drones, I wanted people to be able to control the drones, whether that is walking by or dancing to get them to move.

Template for 3-D printed plastic parts to create the augmented movement.

Close-up of the installation of the drones and the servo motor apparatus.