A Global Connection Through Superstition
Designers Shashwath Santosh and Nithin Eluvathingal introduce an intriguing creation: a remote knocker device that knocks on wood from afar, playing into the superstitions of luck. This compact invention, affixed to a tree, enables users to engage with this age-old belief even when wood isn’t nearby.
The Mechanics of the Remote Knocker Device
The system is connected via the internet and is activated using a web app. Users simply press a prominent red button labeled “knock on wood” on their phone, sending an instant signal to a robotic arm attached to a tree, which then performs the taps. These devices are secured to trees using striking red straps, and a display screen records each knock.
A Vast Digital Network
The potential distance span for its operation is unlimited, powered by Wi-Fi and server connectivity. One could be seated in a Tokyo cafe while tapping on a tree located in New York’s Central Park. Eluvathingal confirms that the app also provides updates on available devices and indicates the specific unit receiving the knock.
The apparatus leverages elements of industrial design, engineering, and critical thought, merging them with modern technology to explore and celebrate these superstitions. The knockers aim to function as a “fleet,” facilitating simultaneous interactions from various users.
Expanding on Superstitions
This venture extends the duo’s previous explorations of superstitions, undertaken under the studio name Kinky Kashayam. These projects consider superstitious rituals as potential fields for creative intervention.
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Shashwath Santosh, currently based in New York, works with Google AI, while Nithin Eluvathingal is a researcher and programmer in Toronto, associated with McDonald’s Canada. Their innovative work aligns with other socially aware designs, including multifunctional tote bags and eco-conscious transportation solutions.
The wood knocking technology represents a blend of cultural belief and technological innovation, offering users a new way to engage in superstitious practices, no matter where they are.
Source: dezeen.com
Frequently asked questions
What is the purpose of the remote knocker device?
The remote knocker device allows users to knock on wood from afar, playing into the superstitions of luck.
How is the remote knocker activated?
The remote knocker is activated using a web app, where users press a red button labeled ‘knock on wood’ on their phone.
Can the remote knocker be used across long distances?
Yes, the potential distance span for its operation is unlimited, powered by Wi-Fi and server connectivity.