PHYSICAL COMPUTING

Physical computing, or ubiquitous computing, is an essential part of Creative Technology. It resembles the concept of ‘internet of things’, where all objects, common and rare, are connected to the internet and offer some kind of interactivity. Physical computing widens that definition. It includes all object that feature some kind of computer interaction.

Arduino

An Arduino is usually at the heart of any Creative Technology installation. It is a micro controller, which does not seem very powerful at first glance. However, when used well, an Arduino can power complex and large scale projects. An Arduino was used in The Heart of the Internet, LifTables, and WonderWall.

Below a small example is given on how an Arduino can be used.

For this project an Arduino is paired with an PC to create an interactive image sequence. On the Arduino a temperature sensor and a light sensor are used. By influencing these factors the corresponding season will be displayed on a PC. For example: make it hot and light, and summer will appear.