Gallery: Adorable Concept Sensors Track the True Onset of Summer
Johanna Pichlbauer and Mia Meusburger01pool-2
In the future, sensors will tell us a lot about how our cities work. But what about how our cities *feel*?
Johanna Pichlbauer and Mia Meusburger02group-2
Summer Scouts, a project from two design students in Vienna, aims to answer that question. The suite of seven sensor-filled gadgets would collect data on visceral changes in the city. Specifically, when summer has arrived.
Johanna Pichlbauer and Mia Meusburger03air
This fan-shaped sensor gets affixed to the interior of a city bus, and measures the airflow that results in hot passengers squeezing in together and rolling down windows.
Johanna Pichlbauer and Mia Meusburger04smoke
This sensor, which looks like a mini water tower, tracks smoke in the air from barbecues.
Johanna Pichlbauer and Mia Meusburger05icecream
An activity sensor could sit inside an ice cream store, tracking the rush of customers coming in looking for a cold treat on a hot day.
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Near a pond, another sensor would measure active mosquitos.
Johanna Pichlbauer and Mia Meusburger07pollen
This suspended sensor would track pollen particles in the air—a scientific clue that points to a larger shift in the city.
Johanna Pichlbauer and Mia Meusburger08sound
This one looks like a speaker, and is meant to measure audio levels in biergartens. More noise signals the start of the outdoor drinking season.
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