SWARM Scarf Helps Sense Emotions, Change Moods

Jan-27-15 Designed to respond to emotions while also concealing its assistive technology, the SWARM smart scarf could help people with autism relieve some of the stresses of sensory overload.

Using what the team terms "affective technology," the scarf is equipped with Bluetooth sensors and detachable modules that will respond to basic emotions with six different cues: heat, cooling, music, weights, vibration and lighting. For example, one module may play happy music in response to excitement, while other modules may vibrate or heat up. The individual modules are controlled by a master module that also allows the scarf's app to be accessed via a smartphone.

The project, called SWARM (Sensing Whether Affect Requires Mediation), was met with approval by test subjects, who reported scarf-induced mood shifts and appreciated being alerted to the changes in their emotions.

More Info about this Invention:

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