VCS: What inspired you to apply and become a part of NASA’s Space Apps Challenge ?

Team AVIS: Our determination for problem solving, including the brilliant atmosphere of the team was the key to us participating in the hackathon. Besides that, who wouldn’t want to help NASA solve problems ?!

 

VCS: Where did you come up with the idea to create a fitness bracelet that is able to control drones ?

TEAM AVIS: Originally, we wanted to make an application that was the theme for another challenge, but afterwards we settled for the idea of creating something more ‘tangible’. From there we decided to make a combination of hardware and software.

 

VCS: How much time did you need to fully formulate the idea and then bring it to life?

TEAM AVIS: It all happened in the 48 hours given to us by the rules of the hackathon. It helps if you are quick on your feet and work well under pressure.

 

VCS: How exactly does the bracelet function?

TEAM AVIS: It is not as simple as it seems. To sum up, we use Bluetooth communication between the fitness bracelet and a mobile phone, while the drone is connected to the phone via Wi-FI. Then, we follow particular communication protocols and with the help of the gyroscope in the bracelet, we determine the pathway of the drone by mathematically calculating the curvature.

VCS: How did it feel to be a part of the Top Five, which made you the only macedonian team that has made it that far.

TEAM AVIS: We are really proud because all of that hard work paid off and an interesting idea can be useful for NASA engineers, and common people, alike.

 

VCS: Personally, what did it mean to you to be a part of something as big and meaningful?

TEAM AVIS: It was a great experience and as a relatively young team, I trully hope that this is merely the beginning for us and a big push towards future projects.

 

VCS: What were your expectations?

TEAM AVIS: After completing our project’s webpage with all the information, videos and details laid out, we were pretty confident that we could go a long way. We weren’t that surprised, we were very self-assured in our idea.

 

VCS: What are your plans for the future regarding your project?

TEAM AVIS: We do plan on growing as a team with other projects. However further development of the bracelet project is a strong option for us.

VCS: Do you maybe see yourself as a part of NASA’s team in the future?

TEAM AVIS: Nowadays, the world is full of possibilities for those determined to grasp them. It’s too early to say, but that kind of a possibility might just exist.

 

Simona Samaruieva