Autonomous Flocking Blimps
The Autonomous Light Air Vehicles (ALAVs), built by Jed Berk and Nihil Mitter, are three helium inflated balloons that roam about their invironment and interact with each other and humans in a very life-like way. The blimps use a new technology from Sun Microsystems called SunSPOTS. The devices simplify the wireless communications issues with the blimps.They are autonomous and roam to feed or to seek other members of the
flock. Eagerly anticipating interaction, they project a nervous shout
when alone for too long. This behavior represents their collective
awareness.
The ALAVs also exhibit "hunger" behavior in which they seek out food sources which the humans can provide. The ALAVs will feed and then eventually become full and disregard the food.
The ALAVs move around by using 5 motors, and are powered off of a 3v lithium battery. Control was provided by the SunSPOT computer.
There are plenty of videos of the ALAVs in action on the website and they are quite engaging to watch. Very ethereal.
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