Case study

Huggables Sensing Prototype, MIT

My MIT Sensor Technologies final project: a Circuit Playground rig that senses heart rate, breathing and temperature for Huggables.

UI/UX
Industrial Design
Interaction Design

Published May 26, 2024View on Behance ↗

Abstract:

For my final project in the Sensor Technologies class at MIT Media Lab, I created a sensing and actuating device using circuit playground as part of my ongoing project, Huggables. This set of body pillows bio-senses heart rate, breathing, and temperature, and then actuates these electronically using a speaker, pump, and heating element. The system works vice versa as well. The goal is to provide a tangible experience by mimicking human vitals, giving the manmade object an "electronic soul" to offer comfort to individuals in long-distance relationships, allowing them to feel the presence of a loved one miles apart.

Presentation

Presenting the project goal slide in a classroom at MIT

Prototype V001

Some Images captured of early prototypes of the sensors and its working environment.

Overhead view of laptops, sensors and prototyping materials on a table

Circuit Playground board wired with alligator clips

Arduino and Processing Code

Arduino board circuit playground was used for sensing temperature and breathing using the onboard accelerometer sensor coupled up with a pulse sensor that was attached to it thanks to the versatility of circuit playground I was able to prototype my sensing environment by using processing, I visually showcased the reading and actuated a dynamic shape on the screen changing color and dimension according to the sensor readings.