Smack Attack Turns Steering Wheels Into A Drum Kit

By Ganesh

Updated: Tuesday, November 26, 2013, 12:09 [IST]

Tapping on the steering wheel while listening to music on the car stereo is something everyone of us has done. What if we could turn those taps into actual drum beats? This is exactly what the inventor of "Re-Inventing TheWheel" (RITW) has done.

Gregor Hanuschak, who heads the Smart Attack Corporation, says he got the idea when he started feeling drowsy while driving on the highway once. "Highway hypnosis" as this sensation is called, can be avoided through auditory or tactile stimulation, according to researchers and RITW helps with that as well.

The device is actually a steering wheel cover with eight coloured patches, four on each side. Tapping on each patch brings out the sound of a different drum beat.

RITW can of course be used on its own, with the drum sounds coming out of the car speakers. In addition, you can also play music on iTunes and tap the drums to overlap with the music, just like we normally do.

The sound from the RITW is transmitted to the car's stereos through an FM transmitter, but if your car has line-in port, you could do without the FM transmitter.

Moreover, you can also record your performances and share it online.

RITW is currently being funded through Kickstarter, with a goal of $200,000 or INR 1,08,16,400. A contribution of $149 or Rs. 8,058 will get you a RITW. Check out the video in the next slide.