This browser does not support the Video element.
. (Credit: Luke Keyes via Storyful)
AUSTIN, Texas - Software engineer Luke Keyes, who lives in Austin, is embracing socially distanced trick-or-treating by testing a variety of methods to deliver candy with minimal contact as a coronavirus safety precaution. He says he has been toying with several ideas this year, including a candy launcher, a drone, and even a robot delivery system.
Keyes said he and his wife, Michele Benedisuk, “really love” Halloween, adding that her family would host a “haunted garage” experience each year.
DOWNLOAD THE FOX 7 AUSTIN NEWS APP
The couple has put their own twist on Benedisuk’s Halloween tradition, holding annual “Haunted Science Labs” out of their garage. Keyes said their spooky science labs drew “about a hundred people” last year.
“We built a reputation in the neighborhood, and this year some of the neighborhood kids would ask about what it was going to be like,” Keyes told Storyful.
RELATED: Dad creates contactless candy chute for Halloween trick-or-treaters during COVID-19 pandemic
This browser does not support the Video element.
CDC advises against door-to-door trick-or-treating this Halloween
The CDC is advising against door to door trick or treating so some families are getting creative with their Halloween celebrations this year.
RELATED: CDC advises against door-to-door trick-or-treating this Halloween
Keyes said he and his wife “were torn” about what to do this Halloween in light of the pandemic. They ultimately decided not to hold a haunted garage and instead planned to create a video series demonstrating socially distanced trick-or-treating methods.
This footage shows Keyes sending treats sky-high with his PVC-pipe “Candy Cannon” for the first part of his series.
SIGN UP FOR FOX 7 AUSTIN EMAIL ALERTS
Keyes said the Candy Cannon was originally a confetti launcher he built for his wedding and it has since been used on Easter, birthdays, and other special occasions. Keyes said while the Candy Cannon is a fun concept, he won’t be using it on Halloween as it’s “unpredictable and a little dangerous.”
Keyes said his robot Artie will “definitely” deliver candy on Halloween, and he’s hoping to conjure up a second robot in time for additional deliveries.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE AUSTIN NEWS