Researchers at the EPFL Institute have found out that using your torso to pilot flying machines is both more immersive and much more effective than using a joystick.
Their aim is to implement this method to aid drones in search and rescue operations and approach piloting from an entirely new perspective.
The researchers monitored the body movements of 17 subjects with 19 infrared markers that were placed over their upper body, tracking the muscle activity as well. Each subject wore VR goggles and followed a drone through the simulated virtual landscape.
Credit: EPFL/ YouTube
Soon enough, the researchers found out that there are only four markers, all located on the torso, that will be useful in piloting the drones through an obstacle-ridden circuit effectively.
After a few more tests on a total of 39 individuals, the researchers concluded that the torso control was more effective than a joystick and it proved to be more precise and reliable, needing much less training.
Obviously, the next step was to make a suit that would be compatible with such a piloting experience. It did not take long for the EPFL to come up with one, which was unveiled in the IEEE Robotics and Automation Letters issue this month.
The suit is actually called The Fly Jacket and it allows the pilots to control the drone with their body movements thanks to an embedded motion sensor. The jacket is very responsive and it also has arm support systems that prevent fatigue.
Watch it in action below:
Credit: EPFL / YouTube
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