Nov 13, 2006 21:45
Australian CSIRO engineers have created an air guitar that actually works, fulfilling the dreams of talentless metal fans around the world.
It comes in the form of a shirt fitted with sensors which pick up the strumming and plucking motions of the wearer, as each arm bends to choose a chord or swings to brush the strings.
The shirt then sends the movement information across a wireless connection to a computer which generates the sound to match.
The Wearable Instrument Shirt, or WIP, was developed from research into "smart textiles" by CSIRO scientists looking for new and unconventional ways for people to interact with computers.
The WIP can also replicate the playing of an air tambourine, though there is no news so far of modifications for air drums, air saxophones or air television-throwing.
Other products developed by the CSIRO Textiles and Fibre Technology team include a garment which prevents skin tears for the elderly and a "talking" knee brace which gives the user feedback on the best ways to move to avoid injury.