We store cookies, you can get more info from our privacy policy.

Hackers Modify the Wii Remote in the Name of the Disabled

by Pedro Hernandez - August 11, 2009, 5:50 pm EDT
Total comments: 7 Source: VentureBeat

Both the Wii Remote and the Balance Board have been hacked to benefit the disabled.

Students at the University of Delaware have hacked the Wii Remote and Balance Board so that the disabled can navigate software.

The project is called WiiAssist, and consists of adapting the Wii Remote's infrared sensors so it can be attached to someone's head and control like a mouse in a computer software application. The Balance Board is also modified to control the mouse in a computer.

The students behind this project - Rob Rehrig, Josh Marks, and Larry Aiello - aim to make computers more accessible for the disabled. WiiAssist was one of the projects showcased at Defcon, a hacking conference in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Talkback

BwrJim!August 11, 2009

Schweeeeeeeeeet...  Now thats a mod I like!

nice find pap!

BeautifulShyAugust 11, 2009

Man there has been lots of uses for the Wiimote before but this is the first I have heard the Balance board having different applications. Very nice!!

Mop it upAugust 11, 2009

Interesting... but isn't this illegal?

BwrJim!August 11, 2009

nope

NWR_pap64Pedro Hernandez, Contributing WriterAugust 11, 2009

Quote from: Mop_it_up

Interesting... but isn't this illegal?

It would be illegal if they were trying to sell the design, but this seems to be more like an experiment of ideas rather than an actual product.

DeguelloJeff Shirley, Staff AlumnusAugust 11, 2009

Would they really be called "Hackers" if they are students?

NWR_pap64Pedro Hernandez, Contributing WriterAugust 11, 2009

Quote from: Deguello

Would they really be called "Hackers" if they are students?

That's how the original article called them, and this was shown off at the Hacker's convention in Las Vegas. So no idea what to say here.

Got a news tip? Send it in!
Advertisement
Advertisement