CONCEPT
We’re exploring concepts of visualising how natural spaces affect people’s physiology for positive change. Our Mind Drone project is a first step in exploring technology opportunities and developing insights for future creation. We’d be lying if we said this wasn’t a lot of fun too – the work requires considerable hands-on time with some fascinating technology, understanding and then stretching it. It also requires our exploration of natural spaces like national parks, beaches, parks etc. enough said.

THE WORK TO DATE
We used Emotiv’s brain scanning sensors and software to measure people’s brain activity. We then export this data in a simplified CSV format. From here, we’re able to convert the brain wave activity into X and Y coordinates. The coordinates are then used to plot a flight path for a Phantom 4 drone to fly the path using the Litchi application. The drone was fitted with a Lume Cube light, controlled via an iPhone app to help visualise the path taken. The drone was then launched at a beach and the flight path captured using a Nikon D750 with a 25 second exposure to capture the path over time.

 

RESULT
The result of this early exploration presents the path the drone took, being a physical visualisation of a persons reaction to the ocean. In a way, it’s holding a mirror up to show brain wave activity instead of a physical reflection.

 

LEARNINGS
Technology is amazing and frustrating. We had some serious challenges with Emotiv’s Insight brain scanner and eventually upgraded to the Emotiv’s Epoc unit which was much more reliable in data display and device connection.
Drones are hard, especially when you’re adding extra gadgets to them – the first one just flew away leaving its masters dumbstruck and bruised. The second drone had violent altercation with a tree. Our 3rd drone is a serious upgrade with obstacle avoidance and a much better range. Attaching lights and external brackets and cameras to a drone is still a huge risk, especially when you’re flying it over the ocean on an autonomous path based on brain wave activity. Photographing this work is one of the greater challenges we’ve had. Managing a 25 second window, difficult focus profiles, remote drone lighting and ambient lighting together is a great stretch.

We’d be lying if we said this wasn’t a lot of fun too – the work requires considerable hands on time with some fascinating technology, understanding and then stretching it.

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