QB1 is a robotic computer, that follows human faces and gestures. Once it sees you, QB1 follows your movements. Unlike a computer, which requires you to stop what you're doing and adapt your behavior and social interactions in order to use it, QB1 blends into human space and acts like an attentive partner. No mouse. No keyboard. You don't touch anything.
QB1 perceives the world in 3D and understands your gestures. In
just a few seconds, you'll learn how to browse into QB1's interactive
menus and selection tools. Even if you are a few meters away, you can
continue interacting with simple gestures.
QB1 is the result
of a collaboration between an engineer, Frederic Kaplan and an
indutrial designer, Martino d'Esposito. Kaplan, now researcher at EPFL
(Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne), worked ten years for Sony,
creating brains for entertainment robots. d'Esposito, teacher at ECAL
(The University of Art and Design Lausanne), designs objects and
furniture for several companies including Ligne Roset, Cinna, Neweba
and Monodor. Together, they co-founded OZWE, a company that creates
'disruptive' devices, like QB1.
The video below presents participants to the LIFT Conference in Geneva
playing Tennis with QB1. No joystick. No Wiimote.
Just a moving screen and your gestures.
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