When talking about drones, people easily get the impression that it is a high-tech tool. For most people, they see complicated machines with even more complex controls. That is why there can be a hard time for new users to even try the product. There has always been a rift when it comes to new technology trying to replace the old.
Package deliveries, for one, has split the population into two groups. Those who prefer faster drone deliveries, or those who prefer the traditional slower – but reliable – delivery. After all, the saying goes why fix something that is not broken.
Torso Controlled Drones:
A possible solution to this resistance may be to simplify controls. If people could get an easier time controlling drones, they may be more open to change. Change, which can affect all corners of society, not just the delivery systems.
A university in Lausanne, Switzerland may have found that bridge. The École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) is an institute of technology and engineering that has created a unique controller. This particular device can control the drone with torso movements.
Previously, we wrote an article about Amazon and a similar idea. Amazon wanted people to use hand gestures to call drones. The Swiss institute pushes this idea further, with more controls for users.
Instead of only hands, the EPFL researchers want to involve the torso as well. Only the torso however. Using a body suit, the user can learn how to steer the drone while looking through its eyes. This is so the head will be free to move around and look through VR helmets without clashing with controls. The main goal is to give the feeling of flying since you are using your torso to steer the drone. This hopefully negates all the complexities that accompany controllers, which usually look like that of a video game’s.
Of course, like all these ideas circulating around new technology, this particular endeavor by the EPFL is still in its infancy. Mass production may have to wait, as they are still ironing out the details. But rest assured, this can lead to more people being more open in trying drone technology. Now they do not have to worry about mastering controls.
