Reader Input
Thoughts, tips, and musings from readers like you.Page 06
A wave of new technology has rekindled the dream of virtual reality. But what can you really do with it? We take a look at how Makers are embracing VR to build digital worlds and real-life interfaces with them, and show you how too. Meet the engineers at NASA that are making rovers and rockets in mixed-reality. Discover some of the gear you’ll need to get started with VR. Visit the Makers at Valve who brought the HTC Vive headset to life and see how it went from prototype to product. Then, build a tactile rig for your VR pinball arcade, create holograms with your cellphone, and learn how to take 360 degree photos and videos to view in VR.
ON THE COVER: NASAʼs JPL is using VR tech to create the next Mars rover.
Thoughts, tips, and musings from readers like you.Page 06
Maker Faire sheds a light on emerging tech.Page 07
Backyard builds from around the globe.Page 08
The latest dazzling projects from inventive makers like you.Page 14
As prices tumble, lidar is becoming the go-to tool for autonomous robotic vision.Page 16
Particle CEO Zach Supalla’s road map for navigating the IoT frontier.Page 22
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How a software company and modding community shaped the future of virtual reality with the HTC Vive.Page 26
NASAʼs Jet Propulsion Lab gives us a peek into the future of making.Page 30
Build the PinSim cabinet controller and play VR pinball with real tactile controls and an accelerometer-based nudge system!Page 32
Improve your simple Google VR viewer with these easy tips.Page 37
Will Smith on the challenge of launching FOO VR.Page 38
Build a tiny “Pepper’s Ghost” illusion to play holograms on your smartphone! Page 41
Design, assemble, and build with these VR software tools.Page 42
You need physical hardware to enter the virtual world.Page 44
Capture the world in 360º with these new cameras, then explore them with your VR gear.Page 46
These augmented experiences take some of the “virtual” out of virtual reality setups.Page 47
Learn the basics and build a low-pressure source for all kinds of flame projects.Page 48
Turn a vector drawing into a wooden bas-relief in this simple exercise.Page 52
How to cut, glue, and finish styrofoam for custom creations.Page 54
Make a Pi 3-powered touchscreen photo booth that uploads to Google Photos!Page 56
Build a kid-friendly (pretend) bedtime scanner to repel creepy critters.Page 62
Mill an elegant charger for your Qi-compatible device.Page 66
Shape the mysterious hikaru dorodango that has Japanese schoolchildren crazy for dirt.Page 68
Build a tough, lightweight boat from a single sheet of plywood.Page 70
Use a servo to flick a light switch mechanically, without ever touching 110V power, with this Wi-Fi “Turner Onner.”Page 72
Assemble a 120X astro-cam using 3D-printed bits and the Pi Camera Module.Page 76
Use an Arduino and an H-bridge motor circuit to build an automatic can crusher.Page 78
Build a carnival midway strength tester game using strain gauges and a comparator chip.Page 80
Find out why Platonic solids are so special, and make some cool dice to boot! Page 83
Here’s a hand-cranked classroom science project that’s also a lot of fun. Page 84
Paper is made from plants — so why not food plants?Page 86
Use moldable plastic to create great new practical jokes!Page 87
Craftsman 10" Benchtop Band Saw, Raspberry Pi 3, Flir One Thermal Imager, JackClamp System, and more useful gear.Page 88
A quirky, quick-to-assemble kit.Page 92
If homemade rocket bikes, grappling hooks, and stealthy weapons don’t impress, then we don’t know what will.Page 96