Applications and Implications

  • What will it do?
    • Sense touch in one device, send the data to the web interface through WIFI, send to the other device, inflate accordingly
  • Who's done what beforehand?
    • Soma Bits - prototyping toolkit that facilitates Soma Design
      http://kth.diva-portal.org/smash/get/diva2:1326652/FULLTEXT01.pdf
      "The Soma Bits have a form factor and materiality that allow actuators (heat, vibration, and shape-changing) to be placed on and around the body; they are easily configurable to enable quick and controllable creations of soma experiences which can be both part of a first-person approach as well as shared with others. The Soma Bits are a living, growing library of shapes and actuators. We use them in our own design practices, as well as when engaging others in soma design processes."
    • Smart touch teddy bear
      "The first haptic remote touch solution to send and receive touch over distance anywhere in the world". Made in Finland
    • Long Distance Touch Rings by TheTouchX
      The HB ring allows you to feel your partner’s heartbeat in real-time, with additional options to play a saved heartbeat."
    • Long Distance Touch Bracelets by Totwoo
      Lights up and vibrates after the other device is tapped
  • What will you design?
    Geometry of the actuators, shape of sensor, electronic circuit, web interface
  • What materials and components will be used? Where will come from? How much will they cost?

  • What parts and systems will be made?
    Pneumatic actuators (silicone), soft sensors, electronic circuit, interface
  • What processes will be used?
    3D Printing, Lasercutting, Molding and Casting, PCB Milling, Sewing
  • What questions need to be answered?
    How to inegrate soft and rigid components together?
    How to make the devices wearable? Optimize size and weight? Battery life? Safety? Comfort of wearing?
  • How will it be evaluated?
    For now, the expected result of this first prototype is to sense touch, network via web interface and inflate the other device. Fine-tuning the sensing capabilites and how human-like and realistic the generated sensations are, would be a future matter.