workshops 2009

Physical Computing

November 4-6, 2009 - from 10:00 to 17:00

Physical computing is the move beyond the mouse and the screen as an interface toward humans.

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The concept is normally articulated in terms of working with sensors that perceive the world and actuators that change it. In between these sits a microprocessor or small computer that can make sophisticated decisions based on the incoming sensor data. The tool that we will use for this is the Arduino-board.

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Arduino is an open-source physical computing platform based on a simple i/o board, and a development environment for writing Arduino software. The Arduino programming language is an implementation of Wiring itself built on Processing. Arduino can be used to develop interactive objects, taking inputs from a variety of switches or sensors, and controlling a variety of lights, motors, and other outputs. Arduino projects can be stand-alone, or they can be communicate with software running on your computer (e.g. Flash, Processing, MaxMSP, Pure Data).

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This workshop will focus on building new physical senses. By using sensors and an inexpensive interface board, we can create a range of selfmade devices, from unheard of musical instruments to interactive installations. Movement, gestures, airflow, touch, heat... can all be used to control sound and visuals.

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The workshop has a distinct focus on an artistic exploration of the possibilities of physical computing. Partcipants will get to know the different kinds of sensors, how they are used and how to combine them with the computer to create artworks.

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The workshop takes place in KASK from November 4th till 6th, from 10.00 til 17.00 and is instructed by Kurt Van Houte, maker, interaction builder and new media manipulator. He is one of the cofounders of Dorkbot Gent, part of the worldwide network of people doing strange things with electricity.

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Requirements
If you have a laptop please bring it if not let us know in advance. If you have some electronic tools (as a multimeter, wire cutters or strippers etc) or some electronic toys you would wish to reverse engineer, please bring them. And in case you have an Arduino interface or some sensors laying around you are also welcomed to bring them.