Immersive art installation “Quantum Chromodynamics” challenges the notion of man versus machine, illustrating how the two can work in concert. Fusing technology with human movement in a brilliant display of digital art, it visualizes the physics theory used to describe the interaction between particles that make up composite hadrons. Drones, suspended in air and controlled by an OptiTrack motion tracking system, form an illuminated geometric pattern that reacts to spectator movements captured via lidar scans. Envisioned by Xavi’s Lab, a special projects division at Barcelona-based post shop Glassworks, the installation debuted at the MIRA Digital Arts Festival last fall.
An artistic and technical feat, “Quantum Chromodynamics” involved the creation of 8,432 lines of code, 136 hours of programming, 290 hours of assembly, mathematical formulas developed by Aldo Vargas and synthesized recordings by electronic music specialist Ralp (Raül Peix) mixed with Ableton software. It also required an extensive equipment list including 12 commercial drones, 12 controllers, 12 OptiTrack Flex 3 and six OptiTrack Flex 13 cameras, one Sick LMS511 lidar scanner, one reactive audio system, 12 neon lights, 12 Arduino boards, 700 meters of cable and 576 electrical components. All of the gear was set up in an 11m x 15m area, surrounded by mounted OptiTrack cameras, and drones suspended from the ceiling in a snake like structure.
OptiTrack’s NatNet SDK determined each drone’s positional data from the OptiTrack Flex cameras via Motive motion tracking software. A lidar scanner then detected the position of people under the drones, capturing their movements. As participants interacted with the installation, lidar scan data of their movements was sent to the drones, which then executed the choreography to custom music distributed through five speakers in the space. Each drone dance and musical accompaniment was unique based on the motion of the participants.
To enable spectator control of the drones, their positions had to be updated several times per second. Upon recommendation from Daito Manabe, an artist experienced in using motion control technology for art installations, Glassworks chose to use OptiTrack technology for the experience. “The OptiTrack system gave us unprecedented precision, providing highly accurate positional data for each drone. This was critical to ensuring accurate choreography timing and spectator safety; the project wouldn’t have been possible without it,” shared Xavi Tribó, a core engineer and co-creator of the installation. “The cameras were also easy to get up and running and calibrated, and linking our custom software with the NatNet SDK and Motive software was so straightforward.”
Glassworks Engine Developer Xavi Tribó and Art Director Carlos Cortés co-created the installation, with Bruno Barrán acting as a core engine developer on the project and Clàudia Barbal serving as producer.
PROJECT CREDITS
- Original idea/Creators: Carlos Cortés & Xavi Tribó
- Art director: Carlos Cortés
- Core engine developers: Bruno Barrán, Xavi Tribó
- Light engine developer: Modesto Rodríguez
- Technology: Washington Neira & Oriol Viñolas
- Sound design: Ralp
- Drone engineering support: Daniel Santos
- Drone physics support: Aldo Vargas
- 3D printing support: Raul Nieves
- Editor: Dani Barrio
- Producer: Clàudia Barbal
ABOUT OPTITRACK
OptiTrack™ is the largest motion capture provider in the world, offering high-performance optical tracking at the most affordable prices in the industry. The OptiTrack product line includes motion capture software and high-speed tracking cameras, as well as contract engineering services. Used by facilities worldwide in a variety of markets ranging from film and games to sports training and biomechanics, OptiTrack customers include Luma Pictures, Microsoft Game Studios, Proof, Halon Entertainment, The Moving Picture Company, Audiomotion Studios, Rockstar, nvizage, Electronic Arts, Animatrik and other top studios and developers around the world.
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