Wheelchair air hockey

How does the exhibit work?

Sit in a wheelchair. By turning the wheels, you can play air hockey in a computer game.

You can play this game alone or with 2.

What is the science behind it?

Take a good look at the wheels. On those circles with white and black stripes, light shines at the bottom. The white stripes reflect light, the black stripes do not. Small devices detect that: light sensors. When a white stripe passes, the sensor sends a 1 to the computer. When a black stripe passes a 0.

After all, computers only work with zeros and ones. So when you turn, the sensor transmits a pattern of zeros and ones. That pattern gives the computer all the info it needs.

Are you spinning both wheels forward? Then you also move forward in the game. Do you turn one wheel forward? Then turn in the game. Play against each other or go solo for a highscore!

Sensors in a football

'Fussballliebe' - or 'love of football' - is the name of the match ball for the 2024 European Football Championship. In the centre of the ball is a motion sensor. This registers movements and touches. For example, we quickly know whether or not a player has touched the football with his hands.

Sensors in your smartphone

Your smartphone also contains many sensors. Like a light sensor, which adjusts the brightness of your screen when it gets darker or lighter in the environment, or a fingerprint sensor, which makes sure your smartphone recognises your fingerprint.

Sensors for your health

There are a lot of sensors that monitor your health. For instance, there are sensors that you stick to your skin. For example, people with diabetes stick a sensor like a plaster on their upper arm. It then continuously measures their sugar level.

There are also sensors you wear. Like a smartwatch. It measures the activity of your heart.

And there are sensors that you swallow. For example, a 'smart pill' that transmits info about your digestive system.

Researchers are even working on making a toilet with sensors. That measures whether your little and big errands are healthy.