Two clever guys from the Czech Republic have come up with a way to use the iPhone as a controller for a R/C Car.
Josef Prusa and his brother have managed to use the iPhone’s accelerometer to control an old R/C car they had.
Controlling is very easy with the iPhone 3G. It has five buttons, four of them you can use for traditional driving and when you press the last one, it unlocks the accelerometer control in the same way as in many driving games available on AppStore.
Realization of this project did not take a long time, only one afternoon.
Technically it is realized in a hell-bent way, but obviously it’s functional. Schematically: iPhone (OSCemote) ? WiFi ? PC ? Max/Msp ? Serial port ? Arduino ? Original controller.
The Technology Behind the Innovation
The ingenuity of this project lies in its simplicity and the clever use of existing technology. The iPhone’s accelerometer, which is typically used for gaming and fitness apps, is repurposed to control the R/C car. The accelerometer detects the tilt and orientation of the iPhone, translating these movements into commands that steer the car. This is achieved through a series of steps involving various hardware and software components.
The process begins with the iPhone running an app called OSCemote, which sends control signals over WiFi to a PC. The PC then processes these signals using Max/Msp, a visual programming language for music and multimedia. From there, the commands are sent via a serial port to an Arduino microcontroller, which finally interfaces with the original R/C car controller. This chain of communication ensures that the car responds accurately to the iPhone’s movements.
Practical Applications and Future Potential
While this project is a fun and impressive demonstration of technical skill, it also opens up a world of possibilities for remote control and automation. Imagine using your smartphone to control not just toys, but household appliances, drones, or even industrial machinery. The principles demonstrated by Josef Prusa and his brother could be applied to a wide range of fields, from home automation to advanced robotics.
For example, in the realm of home automation, similar technology could be used to control lighting, heating, and security systems via a smartphone. In industrial settings, workers could use mobile devices to operate machinery remotely, increasing safety and efficiency. The potential applications are vast and varied, limited only by the imagination and ingenuity of developers.
Here’s a video of it in action.
Josef’s Website via Geek Alerts and Gadget Venue
This project also highlights the growing trend of DIY (Do It Yourself) electronics and the maker movement. With the increasing availability of affordable microcontrollers like Arduino and accessible programming tools, more and more people are able to create innovative projects at home. This democratization of technology empowers individuals to experiment, learn, and contribute to technological advancements in meaningful ways.
The project by Josef Prusa and his brother is not just a clever hack but a glimpse into the future of remote control and automation. By leveraging the capabilities of the iPhone and combining it with other readily available technologies, they have created a functional and exciting demonstration of what is possible. Whether for fun, practical applications, or educational purposes, this project serves as an inspiration for tech enthusiasts and innovators around the world.
Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals
Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
