Tai Chi In The Clouds: Using Micro UAV's To Support Tai Chi Practice

Tai Chi uses smooth movement and a focussed state of mind to support mental and physical health. Tai Chi teachers use metaphoric imagery such as "wave hands like clouds" to help students integrate smooth movements with a focussed mind. Current interactive technologies applied to Tai Chi take a very literal approach, focussing on body position and centre of gravity. In contrast, "Tai Chi In The Clouds" is a system which uses micro unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) as "clouds" to lead or follow the movements of the hands, giving live feedback on smoothness of movement via LEDs. We used UAVs to aid the experience of living out the metaphoric imagery used in Tai Chi. With our work we aim to contribute to new design language to support movement based, mind-body practices.