Haptic signing means that a person interprets the environment for people who are deafblind by touching their back and other parts of the body. Halfway through the EU project “SUITCEYES”, (Smart, User-friendly, Interactive, Tactual, Cognition-Enhancer that Yields Extended Sensosphere) researchers have developed several prototypes of garments that can simulate these movements. It is an EU project led by the University of Borås.
The garments have been developed in different generations. It started with a red dress, which became a black dress, a green vest and now they are at the fourth generation: a black vest with a checkered back in which each box can emit vibrations.
“Historically, textiles have always been something closely tied to humans. Now we are taking the next step and making textiles be a tool for communication; it’s something new. And when it comes to the technology, we have come a long way in the project,” says Nils-Krister Persson, Associate Professor in Smart Textiles at the University of Borås.
The latest generation of the prototypes will be produced in a larger number so that the functions can begin to be tested scientifically.
For more information about the Project, go to https://www.hb.se
