Created by Jan Sieber and Ralph Kistler, ‘Monkey Business’ uses the Kinect camera as a motion tracking device to control a stuffed toy monkey. Information from the Kinect is recieved by the computer which is then processed and sent to an Arduino. The Arduino sends the processed information to 10 servomotors which bend and shape the monkey, imitating the users motion infront of the Kinect.
“A cuddly toy monkey hanging on a wall like a Jumping Jack.
With a friendly “Hello” the puppet starts to react to the visitors movements
and immediately apes every gesture with its arms and legs, its head and body.
You can let the ape act smoothly or invite him to a wild dance.
But in a subtle way the monkey asks for another move you have never ever performed before.
Playing the game you will loose control unconsciously
and after the seductive encounter you might start wondering
what is all this monkey business about?
Who pulls the strings? “
With a friendly “Hello” the puppet starts to react to the visitors movements
and immediately apes every gesture with its arms and legs, its head and body.
You can let the ape act smoothly or invite him to a wild dance.
But in a subtle way the monkey asks for another move you have never ever performed before.
Playing the game you will loose control unconsciously
and after the seductive encounter you might start wondering
what is all this monkey business about?
Who pulls the strings? “
The project was created around the ideas of ’the problem of real natural interaction, and to make “an ironic comment about the present art business through this iconic monkey figure.” – “The flexible suspension of the ape together with fast responding motors allows an astonishing quick-witted behavior and a tempting interaction experience for the user.’
Monkey Business is simply another interesting and fun use of the Kinect, and most importantly a great example of a good use of cheap electronic components and open source software.
Peace.
- Leigh Davies.
