Tsuyoshi Horo, an engineer at Tokyo University, has developed a system that allows a person to control a robot using simple hand and body gestures.

Currently embedded in a stool-like robot (complete with wheels on the bottom to move it around), the system uses a circular array of cameras to detect motion in the robot’s environment. It then converts those movements into directional commands for the robot to follow.

At the moment the robot can’t do much. It can roll around the room and spin around in one place. You can also sit on it and wave your hand in different directions to make it go there.

However, the possibilities for a system like this are virtually endless. Imagine a robotic maid in your home, following your gestures into various areas of the house where something needs to be done. Maybe even a chef-robot that will help you cook based on the motions you are using. Check out some videos of the robot in action after the jump. Read more »

A recent Apple patent application depicts mockups of an OS X “Gesture Control Panel” with options for a Standard Trackpad, Basic Multitouch, and Advanced Multitouch. Although the trackpad and basic multitouch options have already made their way to Apple’s laptops, the advanced multitouch features are very intriguing. Read more »

This is one remote that will probably remind you that you’re overdue for another online poker tournament. Although just a concept, the idea behind the remote is simplicity - it ditches the buttons and instead allows the user to operate the it by using gestures. The same kind that you would use holding cards.

Sliding your thumb up or down changes the volume, and sliding the top card over to the left or right changes the channel.

Although definitely not a multipurpose remote to control all of your devices, or even a very full-featured TV remote, this thing would look pretty cool on your coffee table. Practical? Not really. But, stylish? Yes!

Visitors to London’s Carnaby Street will find a new attraction - one they can themselves play with and control. Behind a pane of glass is a large screen which you can command not by touch, but by waving your hand in front of it.

The screen was developed by UK based agency ‘The Alternative’ to serve as advertising for Orange. Right now users of the screen can wave their hands in the air to read news, watch movie clips, and listen to music.

The screen is the first of its kind, employing a large projection screen and a highly advanced piece of motion capture technology. Goodbye iPod and iPhone - your days of making us click and press are just about over. Soon, my friends, we will be able to control you by waving our hands in the air like maniacs.

Video after the jump. Read more »