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Keybanging

Enjoy code-free home automation using prop controllers.

BY WILLIAM GURSTELLE

Despite the unfortunate experiences of Dr. Frankenstein, I think adding life to inanimate things is one of most interesting types of automation. Thanks to the current generation of easy-to-use programmable animation controllers, making an articulated figure move like a person, giving jets of water “personality” as they stream out of a fountain, or sequencing holiday lights to musical beats isn’t just for theme park set designers anymore.

Of course, making all that happen requires computer programming. I may be limiting my opportunities to tackle the most involved ...

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