Lending Hands
A set of fully self-automated, Raspberry Pi-powered wireless flappable wings made of hands as tribute to all the people who have uplifted me throughout my life.
A set of fully self-automated, Raspberry Pi-powered wireless flappable wings made of hands as tribute to all the people who have uplifted me throughout my life.
Type
Personal Project
Timeframe
19 days
Toolkit
Raspberry Pi, Pyhton IDLE
Year
2025
Type
Personal Project
Timeframe
19 days
Toolkit
Raspberry Pi, Pyhton IDLE
Year
2025
Type
Personal Project
Timeframe
19 days
Toolkit
Raspberry Pi, Pyhton IDLE
Year
2025
Type
Personal Project
Timeframe
19 days
Toolkit
Raspberry Pi, Pyhton IDLE
Year
2025
I conceptualized the appearance of the wings through taking inspiration from around me.
I wanted my wings to be mobile. I explored different frames to see what imitated wing flaps the best, and found my answer in toy grabbers, which extended and contracted similarly to wings. The feathers were inspired by my mom's hand, always uplifting me and supporting me. Together, I was able to combine the layout of the feathers with the structure of the frame to create a mobile skeleton.
I conceptualized the appearance of the wings through taking inspiration from around me.
I wanted my wings to be mobile. I explored different frames to see what imitated wing flaps the best, and found my answer in toy grabbers, which extended and contracted similarly to wings. The feathers were inspired by my mom's hand, always uplifting me and supporting me. Together, I was able to combine the layout of the feathers with the structure of the frame to create a mobile skeleton.
I conceptualized the appearance of the wings through taking inspiration from around me.
I wanted my wings to be mobile. I explored different frames to see what imitated wing flaps the best, and found my answer in toy grabbers, which extended and contracted similarly to wings. The feathers were inspired by my mom's hand, always uplifting me and supporting me. Together, I was able to combine the layout of the feathers with the structure of the frame to create a mobile skeleton.
Then, I computed the angles and forces the wings need to endure to imitate bird wings.
Using a series of DC motors and pullies, I was able to figure out how to imitate the exact wing motion of birds, ranging from upstroke, extension, and downstroke. I also found the lowest angle in which the wings can flap during my hardware conceptualization process. Finally, I started prototyping with cardboard and paper clips and a 1:3 model of me to see how the wings would sit on me.
Then, I computed the angles and forces the wings need to endure to imitate bird wings.
Using a series of DC motors and pullies, I was able to figure out how to imitate the exact wing motion of birds, ranging from upstroke, extension, and downstroke. I also found the lowest angle in which the wings can flap during my hardware conceptualization process. Finally, I started prototyping with cardboard and paper clips and a 1:3 model of me to see how the wings would sit on me.
Then, I computed the angles and forces the wings need to endure to imitate bird wings.
Using a series of DC motors and pullies, I was able to figure out how to imitate the exact wing motion of birds, ranging from upstroke, extension, and downstroke. I also found the lowest angle in which the wings can flap during my hardware conceptualization process. Finally, I started prototyping with cardboard and paper clips and a 1:3 model of me to see how the wings would sit on me.
Lastly, I coded, constructed, and tested to ensure the Raspberry Pi and code were functioning.
Using a Raspberry Pi 3 V2 and a little finesse in Python, I was able to get the DC motors to turn back in forth in intevals to imitate the back and forth motion of wings flapping. However, since I wasn't able to acquire an encoder during this time, I needed to manually callibrate my motor and speed settings. Along the way, I had to make dozens of modifications to various parts, including the spools, frame, and even Raspberry Pi. But in the end, I pulled through with drilling, cutting, and iterating.
Lastly, I coded, constructed, and tested to ensure the Raspberry Pi and code were functioning.
Using a Raspberry Pi 3 V2 and a little finesse in Python, I was able to get the DC motors to turn back in forth in intevals to imitate the back and forth motion of wings flapping. However, since I wasn't able to acquire an encoder during this time, I needed to manually callibrate my motor and speed settings. Along the way, I had to make dozens of modifications to various parts, including the spools, frame, and even Raspberry Pi. But in the end, I pulled through with drilling, cutting, and iterating.
Lastly, I coded, constructed, and tested to ensure the Raspberry Pi and code were functioning.
Using a Raspberry Pi 3 V2 and a little finesse in Python, I was able to get the DC motors to turn back in forth in intevals to imitate the back and forth motion of wings flapping. However, since I wasn't able to acquire an encoder during this time, I needed to manually callibrate my motor and speed settings. Along the way, I had to make dozens of modifications to various parts, including the spools, frame, and even Raspberry Pi. But in the end, I pulled through with drilling, cutting, and iterating.
After dozens of modifications, the wings are automated and wearable.
After over 400 Google searches, over 20 cups of matcha, and not seeing the light of day for two and a half weeks, I was finally able to finish this Lending Hands project.
After dozens of modifications, the wings are automated and wearable.
After over 400 Google searches, over 20 cups of matcha, and not seeing the light of day for two and a half weeks, I was finally able to finish this Lending Hands project.
After dozens of modifications, the wings are automated and wearable.
After over 400 Google searches, over 20 cups of matcha, and not seeing the light of day for two and a half weeks, I was finally able to finish this Lending Hands project.
Number of Google Searches
400+
Matcha Cups Consumed
20+
Days of No Touching Grass
2 1/2 Weeks
Number of Google Searches
400+
Matcha Cups Consumed
20+
Days of No Touching Grass
2 1/2 Weeks
Number of Google Searches
400+
Matcha Cups Consumed
20+
Days of No Touching Grass
2 1/2 Weeks
Let's Work Together!
From UI to strategy to storytelling, I bridge craft and vision. Let’s make something unforgettable.
Let's Work Together!
From UI to strategy to storytelling, I bridge craft and vision. Let’s make something unforgettable.
Let's Work Together!
From UI to strategy to storytelling, I bridge craft and vision. Let’s make something unforgettable.
Let's Work Together!
From UI to strategy to storytelling, I bridge craft and vision. Let’s make something unforgettable.