There is still tremendous value in the development of the control algorithms. The external optical sensors provide lightning fast, precise 3-dimensional location information. Pair these algorithms with a self-contained position-awareness system, and you could adapt the algorithms for use in a free-flying device. The development of the self-contained position-awareness system is a large project in itself.
The Wii remote, Sony six-axis controller, and iPhone use rudimentary forms of this type of position-awareness. As these sensors and technology develop, it's conceivable that future generations will be self contained.
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There is still tremendous value in the development of the control algorithms. The external optical sensors provide lightning fast, precise 3-dimensional location information. Pair these algorithms with a self-contained position-awareness system, and you could adapt the algorithms for use in a free-flying device. The development of the self-contained position-awareness system is a large project in itself.
The Wii remote, Sony six-axis controller, and iPhone use rudimentary forms of this type of position-awareness. As these sensors and technology develop, it's conceivable that future generations will be self contained.