A collaboration between
Marcelo Coelho and Steve Helsing

Space Hogs is an airborne robotic installation consisting of five autonomous air machines. The airbots are giant helium-filled, silver balloons that move through the air with grace and ease. They are equipped to sense objects in their immediate area, and use tiny onboard propellers to avoid collisions. A tranquil environment emerges as these large, peaceful objects roam with Zen inspired aimlessness.

Each airbot measures 3 x 1.5 x 0.5 meters and is primarily comprised of an airtight envelope made from heat-sealing Mylar. Attached to each face of the envelope are infrared distance sensors and motorized propellers connected to a PIC16F88 microcontroller. A basket on the underside of the envelope holds the electronics, batteries, and additional ballast.