Any fan of Avatar the Last Airbender has probably dreamed of fire bending. Well friends, dream no more, because it's now a reality, thanks to a little DIY hacking.
L.A.-based Allen Pan crafted a set of wrist-mounted devices that allow anyone to emit a burst of flames in a straight line when executing a punching motion. Connecting a butane fuel chamber and solenoid valve to an Arduino Pro Mini and an accelerometer, Pan was able to make sure that the flame only shoots out when a "good punch" (high speed motion, then sudden stop) is sensed by the Arduino-controlled device.
To show off just how cool it can be, Pan mounted the flamethrowers to the wrists of a real martial arts expert. Combined with a soundtrack that brings to mind visions of Samurai Champloo, the sight is like all our karate dreams come true.
Of course, we don't advise anyone try this on their own, but if you feel the need, and you're a responsible adult, Pan has posted the instructions on how to build one yourself on his website.
Topics Innovations
