Actuating movement in refined wearables

Nowadays it is quite possible to deploy textiles as sensors and avoid traditional hard sensors. Actuation (movement) turns out more difficult. It is advantageous to combine sensing and actuation, similar to ecological perception theory. Although several actuators are known: SMA, voice coil, motors, they all have significant disadvantages. Materials: we explored new ways of using electric motors in feedback loops together with textile sensors (modified servos). Approach: together with Industrial Design (Eindhoven University of Technology, TU/e) and Fashion (Utrecht School of Arts, HKU) students we followed a hands-on approach to come to inspired innovative fashion: garments capable of mechanical change, showing dynamic forms or adapting to the person wearing it. Findings: we obtained six very different concepts, themes ranging from defence, attraction, using daylight, playfulness to breathing and dancing. The noise of the mechanism can strengthen the intended semantics – sometimes it is a problem. The conductive yarn sensors are useful, yet introduce calibration challenges. We have short video-clips of the results which we shall show during our presentation. Implications and relevance: our examples show the potential of actuation as a new semantic language, which will become even more important when new technologies will help us overcome the present-day actuator limitations. Conclusions and recommendations: our students enjoy this way of learning about electronics, programming and video making immensely while also learning about fashion and aesthetics. A new dynamic language is waiting to be discovered. We will share our findings and future propositions for activated fashion.