Hardware hack: See the world like a Terminator

What would you create if you were asked to build a new device with off-the-shelf hardware? For hackers at TNG Technology Consulting, the answer was simple: something that could see the world like a T-800 Terminator.

Using an Oculus Rift DK2 and an Intel RealSense F200 3D-camera, the group created the TNG Augmented Rift. The device features an augmented reality head-mounted display with 3D real time elements. Integrating Intel RealSense technology allows face detection and tracking, emotion reading and even enables you to read the heart rate of the person in front of you as text on the display, just like a T-800.

While the device at present is probably a little unwieldy, a commercially ready Terminator’s eye view might not be so far away. Increasingly compact designs for augmented reality devices and lighter RealSense technology are helping to bring Terminator tech to the present day.

You can find out more about the hack itself here – and if you want to integrate face tracking or heart rate monitors into your own hacks or apps, you can order an Intel RealSense camera and download the SDK on the Intel Developer Zone here.

• This blog post is written by Softtalkblog, and is sponsored by the Intel Developer Zone, which helps you to develop, market and sell software and apps for prominent platforms and emerging technologies powered by Intel Architecture.