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.
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This sensor, which looks like a mini water tower, tracks smoke in the air from barbecues.
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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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