Star Wars movies have showcased the Jedi use of hand gestures to control objects in the physical world via The Force. However, Taiwanese researchers at PVD+ have written an Apple Watch algorithm that converts the wrist wearable into a remote controller that operates drones and turns on lights connected to a Philips Hue bridge.
PVD+ was founded in 2013. An engineering group at National Chung Hsing University led by Mark Ven has spent 18 months researching and developing the software.
PVD+ is taking steps to secure a patent for its new software, according to Engadget. It is named "Dong."
The PVD+ team reported that its algorithm can be installed in any gadget. It gives the user the ability to manipulate directions.
Ven conducted a demonstration outside a Taichung City department store, using hand gestures to fly a Parrot AR Drone 3.0. An Apple Watch picked up the gesticulations and then sent signals to the mini flying machine.
The civil engineer explained to Reuters that a wearable device and human gestures can be used to fly drones directly, according to Hindustan Times. Complex controls are not needed now.
He shared that a wearable can control a ball like the Star Wars' BB-8 android. The circular robot is featured in Episode 7 of the series entitled "The Force Awakens."
Dong coding can also control lighting. Ven explained he can clap twice to turn lights on or off, or write letters in the air to change the lighting's colors.
The process uses the Internet of Things (IoT) and the Apple Watch. They communicate/interact on the Human Computer Interface.
Here is a video of the Apple Watch-controlled drone: