Wearable Digital Instruments That Can Be Played Through Movement

The ribcage instrument

You get some musicians who are so accomplished that the instrument they play is like an extension of their body. And then you get this project from researchers at McGill University's Input Devices and Music Interaction Lab (IDML) where they've created instruments that are actual extensions of the human body.

Called "prosthetic digital instruments" designers for the Instrumented Bodies project created a kind of hybrid device that mixes performance, instrument, and the human body. "The goal of the project was to develop instruments that are visually striking, utilize advanced sensing technologies, and are rugged enough for extensive use in performance." states the press release.

Spine instrument

To add to their sci-fi futuristic appeal the 3D printed and laser cut devices are transparent and illuminated from the inside—the series includes "articulated spines, curved visors and ribcages" embedded with sensors so they become wearable, gesture-controlled instruments. While they can be played while attached through touch and movement they're also detachable so they can be used like more traditional instruments too.

Visor instrument

So, just like the new frontier for personal computers appears to be wearable, this same augmented future might be in store for all kinds of other devices, in this instance musical instruments.

Watch IDML's documentary on Instrumented Bodies below:

[via Prosthetic Knowledge]

Images courtesy of IDML

@stewart23rd