I did it! This weekend I brought out my wings again for a second test. And here it is. Do I need to say more? Just watch the video
Flying like a bird
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Podcast about my project
Three geeks who call themselves Three’s a Quorum made a great podcast about ‘the least important news of the day’, and my project is one of the items they talk about. It’s fun stuff to listen to. So here it is.
Here’s the bit where they talk about my Human Birdwings project.
Three is a Quorum about Human Birdwings (click it, and it will play)
And here is the original link: http://3aq.tumblr.com/post/16799334255/ep-3-hawkmen-attack
Human Birdwings on WIRED
These days I have been mainly focused with fixing details of the wings. So, you might have missed my regular updates? A digital friend actually wrote me wether I am still doing ok? I can tell you that I am!
First, thanks to all who have sent me very useful technical advise & help! It helped me refocus on what needed to be done after the first testflight. Continue reading
What’s next?
I got a lot of comments on the last video in which you can see my first test of the wings. The response was massive, not just on my YouTube channel but also on a lot of other blogs. (check Engadget, TechCrunch, Discovery Channel)
Some people really loved it and support what I am doing. But of course there was also a lot of criticism. Some were pessimistic and blatantly negative, but most were useful! Either way a very fruitful discussion.
For me this project is all about my dream, the seamingly impossible and pushing the limits of human capabilities and technical applications. I am happy that still a lot of people are willing to share this dream with me.
You should read this post on techblog Next Nature. They caputered my point perfectly.
“Arguably, the most desirable technologies are the ones that that take the human condition as a cornerstone. They resonate with our human senses, feel natural, empower people and that realize the dreams people have of themselves. For lack of a better word we call them ‘humane technologies’. Now here is an example what might be the most humane technology since the invention of the bicycle. Dutch mechanical-engineer Jarno Smeets dreams of flying like bird. “
Anyway.
As soon as the weather is good I will continue testing or perhaps, flying.
Sharing my flying dream
Between the roasted lamb and tiramisu dessert on Christmas day something wonderful happened. TechCrunch supported my project by sharing the news on my human birdwings.
Here’s a short overview. Thanks to everybody for sharing!
“If you could have one superpower, what would it be? Mind control would be my answer (I hope to be an evil genius when I grow up). But it seems the most popular answer to that question is the ability to fly. Jarnos Smeets, a mechanical engineer from the Netherlands, is working really hard to make that a reality.” – TechCrunch (24th dec)
Wings: a first look
A new video is up on my YouTube channel HUMANBIRDWINGS.
It is a short impression of work we have done some days ago. Little tour around the workshop, friends helping out and roling out the wings! There will be more technical insight coming up later.
I hope you enjoy!