Space Hogs is an airborne robotic installation consisting
of five autonomous air machines. The airbots are giant helium-filled,
silver balloons that move through the air with grace and ease.
They are equipped to sense objects in their immediate area,
and use tiny onboard propellers to avoid collisions. A tranquil
environment emerges as these large, peaceful objects roam with
Zen inspired aimlessness.
Each airbot measures 3 x 1.5 x 0.5 meters and is primarily
comprised of an airtight envelope made from heat-sealing Mylar.
Attached to each face of the envelope are infrared distance
sensors and motorized propellers connected to a PIC16F88 microcontroller.
A basket on the underside of the envelope holds the electronics,
batteries, and additional ballast.
2004 VAV Gallery
Production Grant recipient. |
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