Swiss scientists: ‘use your torso to pilot drones’

The torso is more intuitive – and more precise – than joysticks for piloting drones, both simulated and real, say scientists at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL). Work is already underway to implement this new body-machine-interface technology for search and rescue with drones, they say. “Imagine piloting a drone using the movements of your torso and leaving your head free to look around, much like a bird,” the EPFL said in a statement. It said its research had shown that using the torso to pilot flying machines was “indeed more immersive – and more effective – than using the long-established joystick”. The results of their study into the issue were published in Monday’s issue of PNAS. There is more explanation in this EPFL video below. In their study, the scientists started by monitoring the body movements of 17 individuals thanks to 19 infrared markers placed all over the upper body, as well as their muscular activity. Each participant followed ...