[ITP: ConnDev & SoftRob] Beginnings of a Final Project

Idea

Right around the pandemic hit my mom developed a chronic cough that was eventually determined to be caused by the air pollution in Phoenix where she lives. This project would be an art piece. It’s comprised of a wired ribcage that will be “softened” with felt or fabric of some sort. Inside there will be paper bag “lungs” and acrylic “heart” which will beat in certain rhythms based on current air quality readings from an API. There might be a condition that could trigger the sculpture to “cough”. This project idea would be a combined final for my Connected Devices course.

Materials

I’ve already ordered a handful of materials that should arrive on Friday.

From Adafruit:

From Amazon:

Paper bags

My Experts

Kate Hartman was my professor for Textile Interfaces last semester and she’s an expert in wearable electronics. Kate isn’t available for a call this week but I asked her about her thoughts on fabricating the felt ribcage over email. She suggested I use armature wire for the ribcage: “You could create a sewn fabric or sheet felt rib cage, fill it with stuffing, and then insert the armature wire. You could even felt on top of the material while it is still flat before sewing the tube that makes up the rib.” She also sent me some other interesting resources I still have to check out.

I set up some fabrication office hours with Phil Caridi for this Wednesday after class. Maybe he has some more things about felting!

I also set up an office hour with Kari Love for Friday to chat about driving the air pumps and potentially fabrication.

I have also been in touch with Amitabh Shrivastava (@tinkrmind_, creator of Programmable Air) online so maybe I will get some helpful insights from him as well!