Anouk Wippert has updated her original dress that defended the wearer from objects and persons invading their personal space. Using 3D printing and the extra processing power of the Intel Edison platform, the upgrade has given a more bio aware garment with the striking aesthetics of an intricate exoskeleton.
The 3D printing has allowed more elaborate limbs which move when there is a perceived threat. The threat level appears to be from analysing respiration and feedback from multiple proximity sensors, though it is not clear at this stage how negative and positive emotions are distinguished – remember you first kiss…that was probably accompanied by elevated heart rate and respiration! The bio sensing is benefiting from the high level processing capability of the Edison platform, giving more fidelity to detecting features in the combined sensor data. LED’s are also part of the dress and activated in concert with the robotic limb movements.
The dress explores the interesting area of whether semi-autonomous garments can be an extension of the wearer or something that the person perceives as separeate. Personally, as soon as the garment does something unexpected, for example triggers a defensive reaction when you are not expecting it, would be the point the wearer would perceive it as something separate; having a mind of its own.
The current information is a sneak peek; we can look forward to a full unveiling at CES.
Source: CNET, Motherboard