We’ve discussed the notion of using machines to add or improve sensory input to the body before, and we’ve found another project with the same idea. [Nick Hasty] has developed an object he calls the EM Brace, which allows the user to sense electromagnetic fields with a wave of the hand.
The device works by connecting two antennas to an enclosure that contains a speaker. The enclosure is intended to be worn on the back with a harness securing it in place and wrapping the arms around the wearer’s body. The antennas are incorporated into a pair of gloves. When the antennas pick up electromagnetic radiation, the speaker emits a low frequency sound waves. They vibrate the enclosure and the arms, which in turn vibrate the body, signaling to the wearer that he or she is in an electromagnetic field, also referred to as hertzian space. A good deal of detail about the project can be found on his blog, or if you prefer, download his thesis paper in(PDF).
[via Make]
i think i remember a surgical procedure that did something similar to this. a tiny magnet was placed in the tip of one of your fingers (such as the ring finger) and it would vibrate or move in some other fashion when introduced to a magnetic field. when it did this, it would excite the nerves in your fingertips, allowing you to ‘feel’ magnetic fields.
http://www.bmezine.com/news/pubring/20040226.html
http://www.wired.com/gadgets/mods/news/2006/06/71087
looks pretty lame
@zandi
That’s what I thought of when I saw this, too. The surgical silicon used to implant the magnets eventually deteriorated, though, and the body mod guy who originally tried it now strongly recommends against it. It’s a shame, because I’d do it in a heartbeat if I didn’t think there would be health risks. Using gloves just doesn’t cut it.
Did this make anyone else think of Alpha Centauri: Alien Crossfire?
i approve of this post
Nice project , you should create individual sensors and actuators for each sensor :)
Nice site and good information. Thanks for covering this topic so in depth.