Finger Bend is a unique DIY Arduino powered textile flex sensor, created as part of the Swatch Exchange, enabling you to trigger actions by simply bending your finger. Created by the team at Willpower Studios, the textile flex sensor, named Finger Bend, offers a concept for such an interface. Check out the demonstration video below to learn more.
“The E-Textile Summercamp‘s Swatchbook Exchange is a platform for sharing physical work samples in the field of electronic textiles. The exchange wishes to emphasize the importance of physicality and quality workmanship in an increasingly digital world.”
How Finger Bend Works
The Finger Bend sensor operates by utilizing a piece of piezoresistive stretch fabric. This fabric is sensitive to changes in resistance when stretched or bent. Inside the custom sleeve, this fabric is connected to an Arduino Nano’s analog input pin via copper threads. When a finger is curled, the resistance changes, which the Arduino interprets to trigger an action, such as turning an LED on or off. This simple yet effective mechanism demonstrates the potential of integrating electronic textiles into everyday objects.
“Inside the custom sleeve is a piece of piezoresistive stretch fabric, which is attached by copper threads to an Arduino Nano’s analog input pin. When a finger is curled, the light is then switched on and off again when straightened. While an LED is interesting, this concept could be taken much further, perhaps using multiple digits for more intricate control. Details and code for the project is available in Willpower Studios’ write-up.”
Potential Applications and Future Developments
The Finger Bend sensor is just the beginning of what could be a wide array of applications for textile-based sensors. For instance, integrating multiple sensors on different fingers could allow for more complex gestures and controls, such as playing a virtual piano or controlling a drone. Additionally, these sensors could be embedded into clothing for health monitoring, such as tracking joint movements in physical therapy or sports training.
Moreover, the use of piezoresistive fabric opens up possibilities for creating more comfortable and flexible wearable technology. Traditional sensors and electronics can be rigid and uncomfortable, but textile-based sensors can conform to the body, making them ideal for long-term wear.
The Finger Bend project also highlights the importance of the Swatch Exchange platform. By sharing physical samples and detailed write-ups, creators can inspire and learn from each other, pushing the boundaries of what is possible with electronic textiles. This collaborative approach fosters innovation and ensures that high-quality, well-crafted projects continue to emerge in the field.
The Finger Bend DIY textile flex sensor is a fascinating example of how electronic textiles can be used to create intuitive and interactive interfaces. With further development and collaboration, the potential applications for such technology are vast and varied, promising exciting advancements in both consumer electronics and wearable technology.
Source : Swatch Exchange : Arduino Blog
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