In an effort to play with his pet fish Jose, Adam Ben-Dror incorporated omni wheels and Arduino technology into his aquarium. The Abovemarine allows fish to swim freely and specifically enables one Siamese fighting fish to engage with humans and other animals.
The industrial designer used a camera, processing and computer vision in addition to the omni wheels in this project. The final result is an aquarium entirely controlled by Jose, who can make the contraption move by swimming under the Arduino-projected light.
Ben-Dror hopes the Abovemarine will challenge people's preconceived notions of fish intelligence. Many people (especially young children) find fish pets to be boring since they can't play with them directly. This was a concept Jose is attempting to defy. The creator notes this is not a product or a living environment, but a symbolic gesture.
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Omni Wheel Integration
- Innovative omni wheel technology can be integrated into pet habitats to create interactive experiences.
- Computer Vision Aquariums
- Aquariums using cameras, processing and computer vision technology can create environments where fish can control their environment.
- Animal-human Interaction
- Enabling animal-human interaction has become an emerging trend in pet habitat design and can create a more engaging interaction for pets, pet owners, and guests.
Where This Applies
- Pet Care
- Integrating technology with pet habitats can provide a new source of revenue for pet care companies, while enhancing the interaction and experiences for pets.
- Smart Home
- Interactive technology designed for pet habitats can also integrate into smart home systems and expand the possibility of home automation.
- Toy and Hobby
- Engaging pet owners to create interactive pet habitats can turn a passion project into a business opportunity in the toy and hobby industry.
