flyfire
flyfire

researchers at MIT’s senseable city lab have been working on a project named flyfire, which aims to
explore 3D display systems composed of self-organizing mini helicopters. the project is being worked
on in collaboration with the aerospace robotics and embedded systems laboratory with the intent to
transform any space into a ‘highly immersive and interactive display environment.’ the mini helicopters
are each outfitted with small LEDs making them each a single element of the larger display, much like
a pixel on a screen. based on specific inputs, the helicopters adjust their position forming a three-
dimensional elastic display that can be used just like a standard flat pixilated display. the helicopters can
be still be arranged on a single plan or programmed to spread out over 3 axis. they also can be engaged
during transitions to create animation like effects.
http://senseable.mit.edu/flyfire




via gizmodo
yea, let's work our arms and brains off, so we can make something beautifully useless. art does have uses, but only to a limited extent.
alecu 02.24.10
well actually, you, aren't doing any work...
Gimmy 02.24.10
Congrats MIT on hitting something so fundamental that could take us in so many new trajectories!
magilikoti 02.25.10
Yeah sure, I could make a 3D viz like this.
In real life this can't happen because of the airflow. And all these movements happen without any collision? If one heli goes down it will take many with it.
In real life this can't happen because of the airflow. And all these movements happen without any collision? If one heli goes down it will take many with it.
Airborn 02.25.10
great idea on paper as Airborn says, because of the turbulence created by the blades the helis wouldn't be able get that close to each other, not to mention that even the best minicoptors are no where near exact fliers and computer controlling them in unison would be imposable. its quite obviously not in the realms of reality unless the helis just go up and down a vertical thread. I dont mean to sound negative as the idea is good, creativity is all about innovation but this just isn't realistic.
Leo 02.25.10
I think Leo and Airborn are correct, with normal helis they won´t be able to pull that off. Which means that the challenge is to develope a better tecnology that will make it possible. And i bet they will.
Briliant idea, full potencial!
Briliant idea, full potencial!
Bocas 02.25.10
Keep them indoors, however. We actually still need living things that fly like airborne insects and other pollinators.
Patricia 02.25.10
There isn't much representation of scale in the video and pictures. They may appear close together, but if the scale is large enough they might actually be rather far apart. It is pretty hard to knock this without making assumptions.
Scott 02.25.10
Wouldn't it be easier, more effective and more cost efficient to create a 3D hologram? The technology seems to be coming along, why over-complicate things?
kg 02.26.10
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