Summary of AUTOMATED SENTRY TURRET FOR YOUR SECRET LAB
This article describes a Kinect-based robotic sentry turret designed to detect intruders and deter them using an airsoft gun. The system utilizes a Microsoft Kinect V2 for human tracking, processing data via Unity on a PC, and transmitting targeting commands to an Arduino. The Arduino controls a 2-axis servo mount holding an electric airsoft gun with a relay-modified trigger. Features include gesture recognition for firing or disarming the turret, voice warnings, and automated aiming at the target's heart.
Parts used in the Automated Sentry Turret:
- Microsoft Kinect V2
- PC running Unity app
- Arduino microcontroller
- 2-axis servo mount
- Electric airsoft gun
- Relay switch
- Portal-inspired enclosure
There are few things as frustrating when you’re trying to get some serious hacking done than intruders repeatedly showing up without permission. [All Parts Combined] has the solution for you, with a Kinect-based robotic sentry turret to keep them at bay.
The system consists of a Microsoft Kinect V2 connected to a PC, which runs an app to do all the processing, and outputs the targeting information to an Arduino over serial. The Arduino controls a simple 2-axis servo mount with an electric airsoft gun zip-tied to it. The trigger switch is replaced with a relay, also connected to the Arduino.
The Kinect V2 comes with SDKs that really simplify tracking human movement, and outputs the data in an easy-to-use format. [All Parts Combined] used the SDK in Unity, which allows him to choose which body parts to track. He added scripts that detect a few basic gestures, issues voice commands, and generates the serial commands for the Arduino. The servo angles are calculated with simple geometry, using XY coordinates of the target received from the SDK, and the known distance between the Kinect and turret. When an intruder enters the Kinect’s field of view it immediately starts aiming at the intruder’s heart, issues a “Hands Up!” command, and tells the intruder to leave. If the intruder doesn’t comply, it starts an audible countdown before firing. [All Parts Combined] also added a secret disarming gesture (double hand pistols), which turns the turret into an apologetic comrade. All it needs is a Portal-inspired enclosure.
It’s a fun project that illustrates how the Kinect can make complex computer vision tasks relatively simple. Unfortunately the V2 is no longer in production, having been replaced by the more expensive, developer focused Azure Kinect. We’ve covered several Kinect-based projects, including a 3D room scanner and a robotic basketball hoop.
Source: AUTOMATED SENTRY TURRET FOR YOUR SECRET LAB
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How does the system track human movement?
The system uses the Microsoft Kinect V2 SDK within Unity to simplify complex computer vision tasks and output easy-to-use tracking data. -
Can the turret be disarmed remotely?
Yes, performing a secret disarming gesture of double hand pistols turns the turret into an apologetic comrade. -
What happens when an intruder enters the field of view?
The turret immediately aims at the intruder's heart, issues a Hands Up command, and tells them to leave. -
Does the project still use the original Kinect V2 hardware?
No, the Kinect V2 is no longer in production and has been replaced by the Azure Kinect. -
How are the servo angles calculated?
Servo angles are calculated using simple geometry based on the XY coordinates of the target and the known distance between the Kinect and turret. -
What triggers the turret to fire?
If the intruder does not comply with the warning, the turret starts an audible countdown before firing. -
Which software environment was used for the project?
The developer used the Kinect SDK in Unity to choose body parts to track, detect gestures, and generate serial commands.
