Motion controlled experiences do not need to be limited to games, or even digital devices, actually a responsive motion interaction can be attained by using simple and accessible everyday objects.
An Algorithm Engineer at Extreme Reality recently created a cardboard robot operated by body movements. When creating the robot, his goal was to show how Extreme Reality's Extreme Motion SDK can be used to create off screen physical human machine interactions that are simple to execute, inexpensive, and cool.
Step 1: Purchase One Micro Maestro Servo Motor Controller ($20)
A servo motor controller is a circuit that is used to control the position of a servo motor. It is also called as a servo motor driver. A servo motor controller consists of a controller, the servo motor and the power supply unit. This specific controller was used because it is user friendly and can operate up to 6 servos.
Step 2: Purchase 4 Servo’s or More (less Than $10)
Servos are used to create the movement. The more servos being used the more freedom of movement you will have when creating your robot. In this Robot only 4 servos were needed to create the robots “hand” movements but if you want more freedom of motion you can purchase more. There are a variety of servo’s that can be used; this specific Tower Pro servo model was chosen because of its cost effectiveness.
Step 3: Use Cardboard (Or Other Materials) to Connect the Servos
Place the Servos on the main robot joints. Associate each servo to its specific counterpart according to the skeleton data
Step 4: Use a Box
You can use a box in order to hide the motor controller and servos behind It while allowing it to serve as a holder for the robots “hands”
Step 5: Use the Extreme Motion SDK
Modify the Extreme Motion SDK C# sample project to drive the servo controller based on the incoming skeletal data. (to copy the code click here)
Step 6: Connect Controller
Connect the controller to the computer through a USB and run the sample project
Step 7: And Voilà, You Have Your Own Motion Controlled Robot!
The Extreme Motion SDK works with a simple camera, on any device (iOS, Android or Windows) enabling both developers and companies to bring their motion inspired ideas to life in both digital and physical environments. For more information about our technology visit our Developers Zone today.
Read the full guide here