Tag Archives: Wearables

Pinto lets you carry files on your wrist


This wearable device is ensuring that you never forget your documents and data again.


When it comes to saving files nowadays, we have several options ranging from good ol’ flash drives and discs to cloud storage. However, let’s face it. How many pocket-sized USB devices have you lost in the past, leaving you no choice but to go buy another? This was the premise behind the world’s first storage wristband.

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Created by the Bean Beam team, Pinto aspires to modify the way people think about storing their files safely. The device itself is a waterproof Bluetooth-enabled wristband, that’s both comfortable and aesthetically pleasing to the eye. What’s more, the wearable has no USB plug, port or other annoyances, allowing it to converge each of the good qualities of cloud storage and flash drives — nothing more.

“This is a something we have dedicated a huge amount of time to and that we feel incredibly passionate about,” a company rep explained. “Pinto is truly a better and more secure way of storing important files. It can be kept on the wrist 24 hours a day. How much more secure can something get? The technology is very exciting and we think people are going to really love Pinto, for all the best reasons.”

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According to Bean Beam, the one-size-fits-all band was designed to be a “true wearable” in the sense that it can literally be worn 24 hours a day if its owner desired to, from the bedroom, to work, to play and back home again. Aside from being able to walk to class on a rainy day, go into the shower or swim a couple of laps in the pool, the robust device also charges wirelessly, meaning it can refuel without ever leaving your arm.

Charging can be accomplished in one of two ways, either through what the company calls a “Charging CAP” or “Charging PAD.” The CAP is a round adapter that magnetizes on the bottom of Pinto’s rubber band, whereas the PAD can be placed alongside a keyboard or laptop allowing a wearer to rest their wrist on its comfortable silicone layer.

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How it works is simple. The device is clasped onto the wrist of a user. Bluetooth technology allows files on Pinto to be accessed anywhere and everywhere, and operates at the touch of a single button. Equipped with LEDs, the wristband will emit a white light to indicate that the power is on, green that operation is idle, and blue that an incoming connection is pending approval. Pinto currently comes in both 32GB and 64GB of storage for you to jam-pack with all of your latest white papers, projects and documents. And, all files stored on it are password protected, so there’s no need to worry if somehow misplaced.

At its core lies an Cortex-M4-based MCU; however, in its earliest testing stages, the team tells us that they prototyped using an Atmel | SMART SAM3X8E. We will wait and see what the future holds as this wearable is brought to market!

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Interested in wearing your files on your wrist? You’ll want to hurry over to its official Indiegogo page, where the team is currently seeking $190,000.

This DIY EEG hat can turn brainwaves into light


You can now make a beanie with lights that change color and intensity in response to your level of attention and relaxation.


Have you ever wanted to visualize your brain activity in real-time? How about move an object on a screen with just your mind? A Maker by the name of “wavelet_spaghetti” recently devised what she calls Illumino — a recreational EEG hat capable of turning brainwaves into light.

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According to the Maker, she wanted her “simple toy EEG device” to be flexible enough to use the data yet inconspicuous to everyone else. In order to bring this mind-blowing creation to life, wavelet_spaghetti employed an everyday winter hat along with an Arduino and Neurosky’s ThinkGear ASIC module.

“The Neurosky chip is connected to an [Atmel based] Arduino microcontroller, which contains the software of Illumino. A USB adapter is attached to the Arduino, to allow easy access to the software from a computer.”

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The Maker advises that any tiny ‘duino can be used as long as it features an on-board USB slot, such as the Arduino LilyPad (ATmega168V). To make the wearable device both artistically creative and interactive, she equipped the hat’s white pom-pom with Adafruit NeoPixel LEDs, thereby enabling the wearer to visualize their brainwaves in real-time as an array of colorful light. As the Maker points out, each of the electronic components were discretely embedded “so it looks and feels as though you’re just wearing a comfy beanie.”

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The megaAVR powered board (whose software is accessible via a USB slot) converts real-time brain activity into light through the LEDs, which illuminate in various colors and intensities based on the mental state of the wearer, e.g. excitement and relaxation. The variation in colors and brightness of the RGBs can be manually adjusted via a small switch.

In case you were wondering, the brain-reading beanie also works simply as an EEG device without the decorative light show. If you rather not sport the cliché winter pom-pom, you can always place the NeoPixels elsewhere in the hat.

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The Maker notes that one option for making beautiful “brain art” with Illumino is through the programming language called Processing, which will allow a creator to write scripts that create unique visualizations and music.

“Simply import the live brain activity data from the hat by connecting the USB cable to the pom-pom (or wireless if you make the hat with Bluetooth). Then customize your Processing sketches so that the levels of ‘attention,’ ‘meditation’ or different brainwave types control the changes in the visualizations (color, opacity, movement, coordinates, rotation speed, etc),” wavelet_spaghetti writes.

What else can be done with this magical hat? The possibilities are endless when it comes to the Illumino, ranging from writing words to controlling moving blobs. See it in action below!

Looking for that perfect winter accessory? Here it is! You can find the Maker’s step-by-step tutorial on the project’s official Instructables page.

Shot Tracker is a wearable basketball coach


Nothin’ but Net… of Things! 


Good news for those basketball players looking to hone their hoop skills, a new coach has officially arrived. Sure, professional, collegiate and other competitive leagues have their ways to tracking and analyzing shot stats and performance data; however, those playing pickup down in Rucker Park or in a rec league game at a nearby community center may not have access to such insight. That was until ShotTracker. The wearable system is able to monitor facets of your game, providing a better look into your strengths and weaknesses.

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ShotTracker is comprised of three components: an ARM Cortex-M4-powered wrist sensor, an ARM Cortex-M0-based net sensor and the ShotTracker app, supported by both Android and iOS devices. In addition, a baller can adorn the specially-designed (and stylish may we add) sleeve or wristband during their next game or training session.

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How it works is relatively simple. The wearable sensor, which easily slips into either the accompanied sleeve or wristband, monitors a player’s motion and tracks shot attempts using the device’s 6-axis motion processor. This is connected to ShotTracker’s companion app to collect and display statistics from the wearer. Additionally, the net sensor can be affixed to any net and will send a signal to the tracker after a shot, deciphering whether it was nothing-but-net, a brick or even worse, an air ball.

When a player shoots, the wrist sensor sends a signal that a shot was attempted and the net sensor sends a signal indicating if the ball made it into the basket. Both signals are sent to the mobile device via Bluetooth where the ShotTracker app keeps track of the user’s shooting stats.

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The entire kit is now available on the company’s website for $149.99. That’s one SMART coach if you ask us!

Uno is giving you all the info you need right on your wrist


The average person takes their phone out, unlocks it, and checks messages over 150 times a day. Uno says that’s too much. 


Seattle-based startup Uno believes that most of us take out our smartphones too many times per day, and has devised a way to solve that issue. Unlike a number of other wearables on the market today, the Noteband is focused primarily on notifications, a feature that caters to today’s on-the-go lifestyle.

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The device, which is currently live on Indiegogo, displays messages from incoming calls, texts, emails, calendar reminders, as well as social feeds such as Twitter and Facebook. And for the gamers out there, the Noteband is even integrated with Xbox Live, Playstation Network and Steam. Meaning, you’ll no longer need to put down the controller to access a message, game alert or invitations.

Spritz, the speed-reading app, allows wearers to a notifications up to 80% faster at rates ranging from 250 to 1,000 words per minute. This eliminates any need for dual-hand scrolling, which enables users to get through that long email in a single click. When an alert is receives, the wristband vibrates and displays the message upon a tap of the finger. Swipe right to turn notices on, swipe left to get rid of them. It’s as easy as that!

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Built around a 32-bit ARM Cortex-M0 MCU, the Noteband is equipped with an OLED display, Bluetooth Low Energy, and a battery capable of lasting for days on a single charge. The device, which is compatible with both the Android and iOS operating systems, also packs a six-axis gyroscope and accelerometer to let users to keep track and achieve their fitness goals, while syncing with the Apple Health and Google Fit platforms. Interested in learning more? Hurry over to its official Indiegogo page, where the team has already well exceed its $50,000 goal.

Build your own Pebble Smartwatch


Why buy the latest smartwatch when you can make one yourself with off-the-shelf components and breakout boards? 


Despite the ongoing craze for wearable technology, most notably smartwatches, a number of young Makers are finding that can sometimes be a bit out of their price range. Rather than having to tirelessly scalvage funds and spend their savings, tinkerers like Jonathan Cook are electing to create their own devices. The aptly named Open-Source SmartWatch combines readily available breakout boards, careful soldering and a 3D-printed frame to make a one-of-a-kind timepiece that displays notifications from your smartphone, not to mention is easily customizable in function and pleasing to the eye. Aside from already being crowned winner of last year’s Arduino Challenge and having garnered “Maker of Merit” ribbons at Maker Faires, Cook recently featured his DIY accessory on MAKE: Magazine.

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As the Maker notes, the watch design is pretty straightforward, consisting of four major components housed in a 3D-printed case: a battery charging circuit, vibrating motor for silent alerts, a programmable Microduino Core+ (ATmega644PA/ATmega1284P) with power regulation and BLE connectivity, and an OLED display with push-buttons.

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“Breadboarding the project is a snap. Wiring it into a small enclosure meant for the wrist is quite another matter. Break out your fine-point soldering iron and follow these complete instructions.” As for its programmable core, Cook connected the Microduino board to a programming port, a BLE chip for communicating with a wearer’s mobile device, and a voltage regulating circuit.

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“A 3.7V 500mAh LiPo battery is wired to a JST connector and a two-position switch. Switched to the right, the circuit is in battery mode. Switched left, it’s ready for LiPo charging via the JST connector.”

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Meanwhile, the Open-Souce SmartWatch’s vibrator circuit is comprised of a diode, 1K and 33Ω resistors, capacitor, NPN transistor, and motor. The circuit is then connected to the megaAVR based Microduino, which enables the device to buzz the wrist for an incoming call or alerts. Speaking of which, in addition to the typical time and date functionality as seen on any watch, Cook has sought out to develop an interface that any smartwatch wearer would want such as email access, Facebook notifications, Twitter updates, among a number of other features. Rounding out the design, the Maker implemented an OLED screen and a pair of tiny LEDs that are wired to seven of the digital pins on the ‘duino.

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Those interested in learning more about the 3D-printed smartwatch can access a detailed step-by-step breakdown of the build here.

LifeQ is tapping into the human sensor


In today’s constantly-connected world, there is often a disconnect between raw data collection and sensor management. LifeQ has the answer.


According to LifeQ, who made its debut back at CES 2015, the future of wearables may not actually be wearables but instead the data that they collect. The South African startup is looking to tap into the human sensor by combining two technologies to give people the ability to optimize and improve the condition of the body and live intelligently. This pair of technologies, continuous physiological monitoring and bio-mathematical modeling, provide insights around personal and population-wide health, making it possible to significantly improve decision making for anyone’s well-being.

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We had the chance to catch up with LifeQ executive founder Riaan Conradie along with lead engineer Nicol Carstens to explore the ways in which its Atmel | SMART SAM4L ARM Cortex-M4-based solution will enable wearable device companies, application developers, data scientists and other experts to better monitor, understand and manage physiology, behavior and health. It’s important to note: LifeQ is not a wearables company.

At the moment, computational systems biology is a relatively new field, with only a small group of scientists studying and publishing on the topic. LifeQ’s multi-disciplinary team is pioneering this effort and has a vision of enabling every human being to really understand their own bodies and health, and make decisions based on highly personalized health records and insights.

LifeQ’s technology focuses on highlighting and improving six major verticals in one technological device for users to optimize their health and well-being including: fitness, nutrition, sleep and stress, medical, health and data mining. Given that deep analysis of data isn’t just a one-company task, it will require extensive collaborations to provide meaningful insights. Currently, the startup is partnering with a wide-range of brands to enable them to tap into the LifeQ model specific to their industry.

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In fact, DailyDot reports that LifeQ ended CES 2015 with four partners who will include the company’s technology in their devices in the near future, and another 10 to 15 slated to be onboard by year-end. Among the early partners for implementation is First Alert with its Onelink smartwatch, which will take advantage of LifeQ’s ability to add functionality as it gathers more consumer data in its research cloud.

“Mobile health is following a very similar evolution to weather forecasting, going from simply going outside, through barometers to sophisticated computational forecasting,” explained Conradie. “Just like in weather forecasting, the traditional meteorological recording equipment is still needed, but it’s more about analyzing and using that data.”

Undoubtedly, LifeQ’s data pool will continue to expand as more consumers buy its partners’ wearable gadgets. As companies include these sensors into their next products, information will be sent to the cloud, and the resulting streams will be made available to app developers and device makers. Interested in learning more? Head over to the company’s official page here.

Fujitsu’s smart ring will let you write in midair


Fujitsu Laboratories has developed a lightweight, compact wearable device that makes it easy to draw letterforms in the air.


Though it seems wrist-adorned and head-mounted displays (HMDs) are all the buzz as of late, Fujitsu is hoping to change that with their newly-revealed smart ring that not only allows for motion control, but in-air handwriting as well. Sure, HMDs are already helping to provide a hands-free workplace for operators, however they don’t make it particularly easy to select displayed information, input figures, jot down memos on workplace conditions, or perform other necessary tasks.

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Fujitsu’s latest innovation lets wearers trace letters using their fingertip, while a built-in motion sensor translates those movements into usable characters. By “writing” in the air, users can then select menu options or make notes on photos that they take in the field — something which could certainly also come in handy during a tradeshow or while on-the-go.

“By applying proprietary technology that corrects the letterform tracings, Fujitsu has been able to improve character recognition accuracy, enabling recognition of everything from numbers to Chinese characters.”

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Aside from its motion sensor — which features an accelerometer, gyroscope and magnetometer — a BLE module, a status display LED, an operation button, a sensor-processing MCU, and a battery (capable of lasting roughly eight hours) are all packed into the tiny device. In addition, there’s an NFC tag reader embedded inside that will enable a user to receive instructions with a simple tap. The company believes that as data from the object to be worked on can be easily selected in a hands-free manner, the performance of maintenance and other tasks is expected to be more efficient.

While still merely a prototype, Fujitsu is currently testing the real-world usability of the device with aspirations of practical implementation by early next year. Explore the ring in more detail here.

The top 6 trends from CES 2015


As our week in Vegas comes to a close, we’re recapping some of the most talked-about products and trends from the show floor. 


Ah, CES. A week full of keynotes, productive meetings, surprising celebrity sightings, and of course, a number of incredible innovations from startups, Makers and mainstream corporations alike. Last week proved to be no different, as a record-setting crowd witnessed everything from driverless cars and humanoid robots, to 3D-printed foods and Jetsons-esque home appliances, to self-watering plants and drones.

According to the Consumer Electronics Association, 2015’s show was the largest in CES history with more than 170,000 attendees in Las Vegas, compared to approximately 160,000 just a year ago — 45,000 of whom were from outside the United States. In addition to visitors, there were about 3,600 exhibitors throughout the show floor demonstrating products in a number of categories, such as automotive electronics, healthcare solutions, connected devices, gaming and more.

While the event remains the place-to-be to experience the latest TV and audio products from companies like Samsung, Sony, LG and Panasonic, more importantly, it is where the rapdily-growing Internet of Things seemed to infiltrate nearly every facet of our lives — from the kitchen to the road. Evident by the sheer volume of booths found throughout Eureka Park, countless crowdfunded projects and smaller businesses captured the eyes of CES-goers — ranging from wearables and 3D printers to modular DIY kits and smart home devices.

Smart Homes

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As expected, 2015 was surely the year of connected living. Google’s Nest launched a new range of partnerships to support appliances throughout the home, Whirlpool unveiled its Smart Top Load Washer/Dryer and Kitchen of the Future 2.0 concept (features a backsplash and cooktop that connects a user to social networks, websites and recipes), LG debuted a dual-load washing machine (allows two different loads to be washed at once while the user monitors its status via smartphone), Samsung revealed a robotic vacuum cleaner, while Parrot introduced a self-watering plant pot (senses moisture levels, fertilizer, sunlight and temperature, then regulates the watering process). Two other areas in and around the home that got plenty of attention were lighting and security, ranging from bulbs that deter burglars to easy-to-use, low-cost DIY systems.

Connected Cars

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While Back to the Future flying cars may have yet come to fruition, driverless cars and connected vehicles are certainly entering the fast lane in 2015. Mercedes released what the company calls a “forerunner of a mobility revolution,” a contemporary plug-in hybrid car that utilizes sensors and 3D cameras to steer without human assistance. In addition to the German autonomous automobile, Audi exhibited a self-driving car, BMW demoed a smartwatch-controlled vehicle, VW highlighted one capable of parking itself, while Ford showed off its latest smartphone-like interface. Elsewhere, Atmel unveiled its AvantCar 2.0 center console concept. Tomorrow’s drivers are demanding a more modern HMI experience, especially in the center display, with no mechanical buttons or clunky knobs. The futuristic AvantCar 2.0 was packed with active touchscreens, curved form factors, personalized color schemes and navigation menus via touch buttons and sliders in a cutting-edge sleek design.

Robotics

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Safe to say, there wasn’t a shortage of robots at this year’s CES either. It seemed like quadcopter drones were everywhere, spanning from LVCC’s South Hall to Tech West. There was everything from those that could track and follow an individual to some that were taking selfies to new heights. Furthermore, standard non-flying robots weren’t left out of the CES party either, particularly those like Ozobot and LocoRobo, which were designed to inspire STEM-based disciplines and to teach kids how to code. Then, there were those with real world applications, such the robotic personal chef Cooki. Similar to those seen at Maker Faire events across the world, exoskeletons were also a featured attraction throughout the week, most impressively, ones equipped to carry heavy loads and enable paralyzed individuals to walk again. Last but not least, Toshiba stole the show with their ChihiraAico humanoid robot that could introduce herself in English, gesture like an actual person and more.

Wearables

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From sensor-laden clothing to connected collars for pets, wearable technology was definitely one of, if not the most, apparent trends at the show. Emiota exhibited a smart belt that could adjust its size based on a wearer’s food consumption, Misfit unveiled a new fitness tracker in collaboration with Swarovski to enhance its aesthetic appeal, Garmin debuted a lineup of Vivoactive, Fenix 3 and Epix watches, and Withings introduced a minimalist-faced Activité Pop, while other major brands (i.e. Guess) set out to usher in a new wave of fashionable devices to adorn our bodies. Meanwhile, Sensoria showcased smart socks that could track and analyze runs, Cambridge Consultants released a smart shirt that monitors vital statistics, and Rainbow Winters’ new dress possessed the ability to change colors based on peoples’ moods. Other players in the field such as TempTraq and VivaLnk revealed a new set of wearable technology for the baby market, with thermometer-like connected patches, while Zensorium’s Being watch was designed to monitor and analyze wearers’ stress levels.

3D Printers

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While 3D printing may not have been at the center of all the buzz this CES like it had in 2014, it did demonstrate the optimistic future for the next-gen technology. Indeed, a number of exciting and innovative creations could be found throughout the halls, ranging from 3D-printed musical instruments to dresses. It was also made clear that filament was moving beyond just plastic, with new materials like metal, wood, stone and even chocolate set to become the norm. Among the other notable news at the show was XYZprinting’s latest food printer and MakerBot’s Composite PLA filaments.

Virtual Reality

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2015 will be remembered as the year VR matured into a serious consumer category. HP introduced a 23-inch VR-enabled display, Samsung exhibited its own goggles, Virtuix demoed the first-of-its-kind gaming treadmill, Razer announced Open Source VR, while as predicted, heavyweight Oculus had a rather impressive presence at the show.

Samsung: Wearables will lead to a ‘new era of power dressing’

As 2014 comes to an end, Samsung has shared a set of predictions around wearable technology for year ahead. Following the release of several smartwatches over the past 12 months, the electronics company believes that wearables will make the crossover from the consumer market into the workplace.

(Source: Business Insider)

(Source: Business Insider)

According to the Samsung, wearable technology will not only be the “2015 equivalent of the shoulder pads of the 1980s,” but today’s business leaders will rely heavily on connected devices to “stay always-on,” with the first wave of that change being smartwaches.

The manufacturer delved deep into business attitudes around wearables, which revealed that nearly half (47%) of users felt more intelligent, 61% felt more informed and efficient, and 37% believed that devices adorned to their bodies could potentially assist with career development.

These devices will not only make life easier for employers and their teams, but will improve productivity and streamline business processes. In fact, Samsung expects that:

  1. Wearable technology will create a new era of power dressing for business leaders.
  2. People will restructure their working lives around personal “Power Hours’’ – as technology reveals peak performance times.
  3. Virtual reality technology and the innovative use of displays will lead to a new generation of digital shops, allowing retailers to overcome space constraints and high rent.
  4. Automated home systems will move from ‘geek’ to ‘chic’ driven by a dramatically improved user experience.
  5. Every child born in the next 12 months will learn coding as a core subject alongside numeracy and literacy.

Rewind: Oh. My. God. Becky, look at those wearables…

From GPS logging dog harnesses to MIDI drumming gloves, Adafruit’s Director of Wearable Electronics Becky Stern has unveiled some pretty wonderful wearable projects over the past couple of months. So much so that we’ve decided to pay homage to the LED-lovin’, gadget-glowin’ Maker by showcasing several of our favorites.

While the inherent versatility of Atmel’s MCUs have made our silicon a favorite amongst engineers for next-gen smart devices, evident by Becky’s latest designs, they have also increasingly emerged as the go-to choice for Makers creating DIY wearables.

Interior Purse Lights

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Never fumble through your purse in the dark again, thanks to this fashionable yet practical innovation. The project makes use of Adafruit’s GEMMA Sequin Starter Pack (ATtiny85), conductive thread and conductive hook and loop tape.


NeoPixel Punk Collar

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Punk meets goth in this one-of-a-kind cybergothpunk creation — a leather collar studded with five color-changing NeoPixels. The project is powered by the ATtiny85 based GEMMA platform — which can also be substituted by a Trinket — and will surely make you the life of any party!


Cyberpunk Spikes

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As we continue to delve deep into cyberpunk territory, check out these slick 3D-printed spikes! Add these bright spikes — which uses a NeoPixel strip diffused by NinjaFlex 3D printing filament — to any ensemble. This project again employs a GEMMA microcontroller that animates the LEDs.


NeoPixel Ring Bracelet

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Sure, you can catch the attention of onlookers with the latest smartwatch or fashionable jewelry, but how about adorning your wrist with an eye-popping bracelet instead? Passerby won’t help but stare at the various light patterns displayed on this nifty DIY bracelet, which boasts set of four NeoPixel rings along with the tiny GEMMA.


Tank Girl Goes Cyberpunk

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Whether you’re a fan of the 1995 American sci-fi flick Tank Girl or not, you will surely appreciate Becky’s 3D-printed, LED-embedded Bandolier of Light. Similar to the aforementioned cyberpunk spikes, this unique getup is comprised of NinjaFlex filament, some NeoPixels, and of course, an tinyAVR driven GEMMA.


Laser Dog Goggles

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What would a bright night on the town be without an appropriate getup of man’s best companion. Here, Becky transformed once-ordinary Doggles into a paw-some pair of cyberpunk-style glasses with a rotating laser. Using a Trinket 3v MCU (ATtiny85), a set of clear dog goggles and a laser diode as the center of the device, this invention will surely be a hit on the scene.


Light-Activated Pixel Heart

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Talk about wearing your heart on your sleeve, or in this case, shirt. The embedded GEMMA and light dependent resistor detect when a wearer’s NeoPixel heart is uncovered, and just like that, triggers the heart light on.


Superhero Power Plant

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If there’s one thing you should know when it comes to Makers and DIY wearables, it’s that we love Iron Man! Incorporate a Tony Stark-inspired arc reactor into your next Comic Con cosplay costume with an uber-small GEMMA, laser cut acrylic frame, and NeoPixels to round out the handheld power plant.


Firewalker LED Sneakers

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Think of it as a DIY version of those old-school LA Lights you wore as kids, only cooler. And, much brighter. Cheaper, too! This project — a collaboration between Becky and the creative Phillip Burgess — shows just how easy it is to mod a pair of high-tops with a NeoPixel strip and FLORA (ATmega32u4 MCU). A velostat step sensor inside each shoe activate a light animation with every step taken in these new DIY kicks.


LED Sparkle Skirt

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Add a simple sparkle to your skirt or other piece of attire using a [megaAVR basedFLORA controller and accelerometer, conductive thread, and RGB NeoPixels.


Plushy Game Controller

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Throw pillows? That’s boring. An oversize plush pillow that functions as a game controller? Now we’re talking! This idea was brought to life with just some conductive fabric, a FLORA board, and a capacitive touch sensing circuit to round out the electronics.


Wearable GPS Tracker

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Make a wearable GPS tracker for you, or even your furry friend. Use an ATmega32U4 powered FLORA main board and GPS to log your distance. Simply integrate it into a backpack, dog harness, or whatever you want to track for that matter.


Pac-Man Animated Pixel Suspenders

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This set of “blinken-braces” boasts 30 NeoPixels, each of which are sewn to these suspenders and controlled by a FLORA board running a dazzling Pac-Man inspired animation.


MIDI Drum Glove

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Look like Michael, keep the beat like Iggy. Play your favorite synths by finger drumming! Stitch up four piezos into a glove and use a FLORA to transmit signals to your favorite music-making software.


GPS Jacket

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Built around FLORA, this slick, megaAVR powered GPS Jacket reacts to your whereabouts with color-changing, pulsing LED lights around the collar.


FLORA NeoGeo Watch

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Based on the wearable FLORA platform and an accompanying GPS module, the NeoGeo Watch can be tastefully paired with Adafruit’s futuristic goggles and GPS Jacket for a full cyberpunk/steampunk wardrobe.


Zipper Switch

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Zippin’ awesome! In one of her latest projects, Becky explores yet another innovative way of turning otherwise relatively dull clothing into more fun, interactive attire. Take zippers, for instance. Here, the super talented Maker transformed them into a momentary switch for activating lights, sounds, and more using stainless steel conductive thread. As the zipper pull travels along the teeth, two pads of conductive thread are bridged, momentarily creating an electrical connection. This connection can be sensed by an Atmel based MCU, such as the FLORA or GEMMA, with an activated internal pull-up resistor.


If you’re feeling inspired to make your own project using Adafruit’s FLORA, GEMMA and Trinket wearable electronics platform, explore everything there is to know here.