The gas mask is often a large cumbersome device that is just annoying to use. That will be a thing of the past if researchers at Cornell University have their say. They are developing gas mask technology that will make the masks as thin as clothing. Why? Because it will be clothing.
Senior apparel-design student Jennifer Keane worked with the school’s Textiles Nanotechnology Laboratory to create a fabric hood and mask that selectively traps noxious fumes and odors. The whole thing was actually funded by the U.S. Department of Defense, so you know its legit.
The tech uses clustered crystalline compounds known as metal organic framework (MOF) molecules to form nano-size “cages” for the offending gases. What does all of this mean? Well, one day all of our clothes could resist toxic gases ..read more
Posted in: Clothing, Wearable Tech
Ah those crafty Buckeyes. Researchers at Ohio State have been conducting some scientific tomfoolery in the world of embeddable antennae. You knew I was going to say that, didn’t you?
The researchers are trying to input an omnidirectional antenna in your shirt antenna to boost radio reception. It works by using a computer controller the size of a deck of cards clipped to the wearers belt, The system senses body movement and activates the appropriate antenna to get the best signal. Of course, this depends on the user actually wanting a better signal. I prefer my signals paltry at best.
This is, again, just a concept design. It’s not like you can go into the Gap and get antenna-enhanced clothing. Sigh. One day.
Posted in: Concept Design, Textiles, Wearable Tech
We all love our furry friends. However, sometimes they get lost. Dogs are smart, but occasionally not that smart. That is where Snaptracs and their uniquely designed Tagg device comes in. Yes, this may be the first ever Crunchwear device that is worn by animals and not humans. Although, one supposes it would work on small-necked humans as well.
Basically, your animals wear the Tagg and it keeps of track of them so you can find them. Here’s how it works. You charge up the Tagg, then strap it to your animal’s existing collar. You define “Tagg Zones”, which map out the places the pet frequents most, like your house and the surrounding yard. If the animal wanders away from the zones you are alerted via text message or email. Not ..read more
Posted in: Snaptracs, Wearable Tech
Who doesn’t love temporary tattoos? They allow you to put stupid stuff on your skin and not have it last forever. This is perfect for those drunken nights when the thought of having “420 69″ on your left buttock just seems like the most hilarious idea of all time. Now, though, temp tats are also useful. Enter John Rogers and his Epidermal Electronic System.
The Epidermal Electronic Systen, or EES, consists of circuits which could contain electrodes capable of measuring brain, heart and muscle activity exactly like how an EEG does now. Only, you know, it will be on your skin with gives whole new meaning to the phrase “easy access.” This way you can wear the tattoo for elongated periods of time, thus giving doctors a better idea of what’s ..read more
Posted in: Concept Design, Tactile Feedback, Vitals Monitoring, Wearable Tech
Wristwatches come and go, but how many are basically computers that you wear? That’s the case with the WIMM Wearable Platform series of Android-enabled devices. These handy dandy gadgets do just about anything you can think of.
WIMM Labs have created the product, which is comprised of a bunch of tech all stars. The Wearable Platform is made special via a series of included “Micro apps.” These teeny apps may be small in size but they are big on productivity. These include but are not limited to weather, email, and time(duh.) The display is a 1″ x 1″ (160 x 160) touchscreen, and the internal board includes wi-fi, bluetooth 2.1 EDR, GPS, an accelerometer, magnetometer, vibrator, speaker, and up to 32GB of microSD memory.
The device will be available later in the ..read more
Posted in: Mobile Phone Integration, WIMM, Watches, Wearable Tech
You like video games. Who doesn’t?! Microsoft knows this and with that spirit in mind have readied their Xbox 360 Bluetooth headset. The headset does exactly what the name implies, it’s a Bluetooth-enabled headset for use with the Xbox 360 video game system. But, wait, there’s more.
Also notice the business casual look. This is the perfect Bluetooth headset for gaming in the office. Everyone will think you are on an important call with Joe Simmons over in accounting. They’ll have no idea you are on an important adventure with “DevilNewb58″ over in Halo.
The headset goes on sale this November at a suggested price of $60. Until then you are going to have to risk it at the office with a regular old non-Bluetooth headset. Don’t get fired! It’s tough out ..read more
Posted in: Accessories, Bluetooth, Microsoft, Wearable Tech
LED displays keep popping up in the most random of places. But, come on, a lab coat?! Haven’t seen that one before. This ridiculously cool coat was designed by Dave Forbes and it is, essentially, a wearable video display that doubles as a swanky coat. Not bad.
Basically, a bunch of LEDs wrap around the lab coat, giving it the air of being an actual, moving television. It works by being plugged into an iPod or DVD player, and it’s all powered by a 12V battery. It will make its world-wide debut at this year’s Burning Man festival. Yikes, we bet someone pees on it.
Wanna see this bad boy in action? Click here!
Posted in: Concept Design, Jacket, LED, Wearable Tech
The world of VR has certainly grown in leaps and bounds since the old days. Case in point? Crescent’s new Immersive Digital Entertainment VR system. This thing could be the future! Unfortunately, like most new tech, it may be the sorta faraway future.
Forget the Kinect! Forget the 3DS. Forget the Wii! This is the highest crest of gaming tech at the moment. This gadget gives gamers a full 360 degree space to interact in. It also features a ton of HD cameras that make virtual reality, well, um, less virtual.
Of course, it’s just a concept design for now. You can’t go in to your local Gamestop with a pitchfork and simply demand one. Although you could try it. That could be funny. We’ll let you know when this tech does ..read more
Posted in: Crescent, Eyewear Display, Wearable Tech
Iron Man! The very words sends a coolness shiver down our spines. Well, it may be close to becoming a reality thanks to the Human Universal Load Carrier. This wearable exoskeleton exists to turn soldiers into supersoldiers. Cool!
HULC, for short, allows soldiers to carry over 200 pounds for a maximum distance of over twelve miles on just one charge. That is some heavy lifting. The unit was designed and built by Lockheed Martin, which is probably the closest we have to an actual Stark Industries in the real world. HULC also allows for a full range of human motion, including squats and crawls. Just imagine it, exoskeleton yoga.
The unit is still being tested and Lockheed Martin has given no word as to when it would start showing up in actual ..read more
Posted in: Concept Design, Lockheed Martin, Wearable Tech
Sure, there are some cool dresses out there, but how many claim to tell an animated story about the ecosystem? None, well until now. Designers Steven Tai and John Nussey have concocted the Pen Nib Dress, an animated dress that uses the power of motors to tell viewers about the ecosystem.
How does it work? Well, the dress is adorned with over 900 motors, which work in conjunction with one another to create an animated story right there on the dress. It’s actually really cool. Of course, this dress has no practical use. But how often is fashion merely practical? It’s all about the aesthetics and the aesthetics here are all about wow factor.
Of course, this is just a concept design. You can’t run out to Forever 21 and get one ..read more
Posted in: Dress, Wearable Tech
