Australia's national science agency has proven that they are not lame ducks. These nerdcore scientists like to go out, slam a couple of schooners and rock it like Wayne and Garth. Dr Richard Helmer has led a team in showcasing the CSIRO's skill with sensors embedded in textiles. A long sleeve shirt has now become the newest instrument in the metal head’s arsenal. The scientists have created a system for measuring arm movements for translation into the first full featured electric air guitar.

When configured with guitar samples the controlling system uses the angle of the left arm to define the location on the fret board, and the right becomes the strumming hand. Want a new instrument? No problem. Just change samples, and recalibrate the sensors to respond to new limb positions. There are a couple of videos up on the website, and it's obvious that the technology is overly young, but still hilariously cool.

I would love a sensor shirt with a chest speaker for rocking out, and would use it to practice for the 2007 US Air Guitar Championships. Maybe Apple can implement a similar system into a future iPod for on the go rocking out, or at least give us some cool Theremin style toys tied to the headphones. Hey, maybe by the time Guitar Hero 3 is ready for release Red Octane will have hired some Australians to invent a bitchin' non-tactile interface.

Via The Personal Webpage of Mr. Drew Curtis.