Kinect2Scratch

Program the Microsoft Kinect with Scratch.

Developed by Stephen Howell: stephen@saorog.com

Download now Get Samples Setup Guide

Kinect2Scratch

Kinect2Scratch allows data from the Microsoft Kinect controller be sent to Scratch, the programming language for kids from the MIT Media Laboratory.

This means that anyone can write programs with motion control, use gestures, make kinetic games and generally leap about having fun.

All you need is a Kinect with its own power supply (Kinects bundled with an XBox will need a separate cable).

Watch Video

Stephen Howell shows the Kinect to the audience at Scratch@MIT Conference 2012. Dr. Sugiura & Prof. Kishi are also pictured.

Kinect Drivers

If you have a Kinect for Windows, please download and install the Microsoft Kinect Runtimev1.6 before installing Kinect2Scratch.

Get Runtime

If you have a Kinect for XBox 360, please download and install the Microsoft Kinect SDK v1.6 before installing Kinect2Scatch. If unsure, install the SDK.

Get Full SDK

If you are teaching (or learning) Scratch, you might like to buy my new textbook titled Scratch from Scratch. I ship internationally, and although this book isn't about Kinect2Scratch, buying it supports development. Kinect2Scratch. There is another book due out soon which has some sections on Kinect2Scratch.

Learn about Scratch from Scratch

Support

I find it difficult to ask for money, especially because I want Kinect2Scratch to be free for kids, teachers and mentors to enjoy. Kinect2Scratch is free (and will remain so as long as I develop it). However, it has been much more popular than I imagined when I wrote it, and I get more requests for features and extra samples than I can handle. Kinect2Scratch is used in dozens of countries by teachers, parents and students. With thousands of downloads and lovely feedback, I want to continue making Kinect2Scratch. So far that's only been possible with continued support from my employer (who I'm grateful to for funding me to travel and show Kinect2Scratch abroad) and Microsoft, who supplied me with a Kinect for Windows.

If you have used Kinect2Scratch, and found it useful, tipping me any amount would be very appreciated and will contribute to future free software development. Alternatively buying the 'Scratch from Scratch' book will also support me but give you something tangible in return.

Thanks.

Citing Kinect2Scratch

If you want mention Kinect2Scratch in your documentation or posters, please use something like: "Kinect2Scratch was developed by Stephen Howell. It is available at http://scratch.saorog.com".

If your academic work is published, and you need to reference me, please use the following citation:

Howell, S. (2012). Kinect2Scratch (Version 2.5) [Computer Software]. http://scratch.saorog.com

Talks & Exhibitions

Here is an ignite talk (exactly 5 minutes, 15 slides) I gave last year.

Watch Defuse Ignite Talk

I'm delighted to be speaking at the Galway Science and Technology Festival on Saturday morning, November 17th. More details available soon!

Kinect2Scratch will be part of the GAME exhibition in the Science Gallery Dublin from November 15th - January 2013.

Speaker Enquiry

About the Author

Stephen Howell is a Computing lecturer with the Institute of Technology Tallaght, Dublin, Ireland.

He lectures on Interactive Media, UX & Software Development. Prior to joining IT Tallaght, Stephen was a lecturer in Dublin City University and a software engineer at IBM Ireland.

Stephen has been invited to present at dozens of national and international conferences, events & Coder Dojos. He is available for public talks and private consultation.