If given a chance, I would never leave Media Labs

After inventing sixth sense technology, what is next on
your agenda?

Many people keep asking me this; there are a lot of things on the agenda. We
are working on further cutting down the hardware. At present the projector in
the sixth sense is as big as a pendant. It includes a projector, a camera and a
mirror. We want to reduce its size to that of a button. Also, we are working on
replacing the projector with a laser projector, which has a more focused beam.
Another aspect is replacing the projector with a speaker. This would be helpful
for people with speech disability. Common man is not able to decipher the sign
languages of such people. So, based on the sign language (the hand movements),
the speaker would give out the message.

What is the whole idea behind bringing technology on
open source?

The main idea is to provide the basic engine to people and help them develop
their own products. More availability will bring more usage of the technology.
Because I believe that such a power with the people can be disruptive for
economy but and encouraging for the common user. Secondly, I am a designer, who
works on technology. For me it is difficult to take the product out in the
market single-handedly. Making a product is just 10% of it, while there are a
lot other factors like marketing, sales, etc. Months back, I had announced about
making it available on the open source, but one of the major challenges that I
have been facing is that a lot of programs have been made on proprietary
platforms.

How long do you plan to be associated with Media Labs?

If given an opportunity I would never leave this place. So far, I have more
than one and a half years to go. But I have no idea of what I will be doing
after that. I would not become a professor or start my own venture. I may leave
the entire technology world and become a painter or become a movie director!

Apart from technology, what are your likes and
dislikes?

Ping Pong is my favorite game. I am part of the local team here at MIT and
have never lost a game. We even played at the university level. Apart form this,
I enjoy watching movies, traveling, and catching up with friends for theater
shows.

Have things changed in your hometown, after you came to
limelight?

This celebrity life is not easy. But nothing has changed for my parents and
my hometown, Palanpur; nothing has changed at all. I have always been a known
name in Palanpur, as I was a meritorious student right from the school days.

Akanksha Prasad/CIOL

maildqindia@cybermedia.co.in