Fans of Valve’s Portal series of games will appreciate this real-life Portal Turret gun, which has been created by YouTube user kss5095 for his Advanced Mechatronics class at Penn State University. This impressive project combines motion tracking cameras and dual Nerf guns to keep intruders at bay. Watch the video after the jump to see it in action.
Technical Specifications and Design
The Portal Turret has been built on a skeleton frame and is equipped with an IP webcam to track a target and fire Nerf bullets at anyone who passes in front of it. The processing within the Portal Turret is provided by a little Arduino wizardry and MATLAB programming. The Arduino microcontroller is responsible for interpreting the data from the webcam and controlling the motors that aim and fire the Nerf guns. MATLAB is used for more complex image processing tasks, such as identifying and tracking moving targets.
The turret’s motion tracking system is quite sophisticated. It uses the IP webcam to capture real-time video, which is then processed to detect motion. When motion is detected, the turret calculates the target’s position and adjusts its aim accordingly. This ensures that the Nerf guns are always pointed at the target, ready to fire.
Future Enhancements and Applications
Its creator is now in the process of molding a shell for the working Turret to finish the design off and make it look exactly like the Portal Turrets from the games. This involves creating a 3D model of the turret’s exterior and using materials like plastic or fiberglass to construct the shell. Once completed, the turret will not only function like its in-game counterpart but also look the part.
The potential applications for this technology extend beyond just a fun project for fans of the Portal series. Similar systems could be used for home security, where non-lethal deterrents like Nerf guns could be replaced with alarms or other security measures. The motion tracking and targeting system could also be adapted for use in robotics competitions, where precision and accuracy are crucial.
Moreover, this project serves as an excellent educational tool. It demonstrates the practical applications of concepts learned in mechatronics, such as motion tracking, image processing, and automated control systems. Students working on similar projects can gain hands-on experience with these technologies, preparing them for careers in fields like robotics, automation, and computer vision.
The real-life Portal Turret created by kss5095 is a remarkable blend of creativity, technical skill, and fandom. It not only brings a beloved video game element to life but also showcases the potential of mechatronics and robotics. As the project continues to evolve, it will be exciting to see what new features and improvements are added. Whether you’re a fan of the Portal series or just interested in cutting-edge technology, this project is sure to impress.
Source: Kotaku
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