When it comes to modding things, one of the more prolific and well known modders is Ben Heck. Heck gained fame modding game consoles into portable versions. He now has his own web show and has turned his modding skills to all sorts of uses. The latest DIY project Heck has got into was a viewer challenge to help create something that would soothe a fussy baby.

Heck took the challenge on and used the Arduino-based Google Android Open Accessory Development Kit (ADK) to create a motion simulator that would help soothe the baby just as a car ride would. Heck had a programmer pal create an app that interfaces with an unspecified Android handset and captures the motion data of a car via the accelerometer inside the smartphone.

Heck then took that recorded motion data and cobbled together a system using servo motors that recreates the motion on a seat that the baby can be put in. The end result is a motion simulator that will let the baby feel like he is on a car ride without mom and dad having to get up.

[via SlashGear]