9. Wearables: Interactive Bodysuit with Integrated Lighting and Soft Robotics¶
Research¶
References & Inspiration¶
This project began with a simple but bold idea: to create a bodysuit embedded with interactive lighting. Inspired by wearable tech, stage costumes, and futuristic fashion, I envisioned two primary design variations:
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Version 1: Lighting integrated into the sleeves, creating an expressive visual element for the upper body
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Version 2: Lighting embedded into the legs, offering an unexpected and dramatic illumination from below
The concept is rooted in the fusion of fashion and technology, combining aesthetics with interactivity. These wearable pieces aim not only to capture attention visually but also to explore the potential of smart, responsive clothing for performance, cosplay, or artistic installation.
Process and workflow¶
Revisiting Existing Code¶
To bring this idea to life, I revisited an older codebase I had developed for my Fab Academy final project. My goal was to expand and refine this code, making it more modular and adaptable for a wider range of use cases.
This meant enhancing functionality, improving the clarity of logic, and incorporating new components such as touch sensors and LED arrays. This also gave me the chance to deepen my understanding of the code and push my development skills further.
Core Component & Add-on Components
| Part | Quantity | Part | Quantity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| XIAO ESP32-C3 | 1x | LilyPad LED Blue | 3x | |
| switch | 1x | touch sensor | 1x | |
| Resistor 0 ohm | 3x | wire | 2x | |
| Header Pin cnnector Female 1x3 | 6x | |||
| Header Pin cnnector Female 1x7 | 2x |
Step 1: LED Testing¶
In this initial experiment, I tested the Lilypad LEDs to evaluate their compatibility with the circuit and overall responsiveness. I paid close attention to brightness, durability, and how the lights behaved under various inputs. This step was crucial in ensuring that the chosen components would function reliably when embedded into the fabric of the bodysuit.
Step 2: Expanding Circuit Capabilities¶
To scale the project, I expanded the circuit by adding more connectors and a touch sensor. I soldered the components carefully to ensure durability and stable connections. The touch sensor was configured to act as the main control trigger for the lighting system.
Its placement was planned to be discreet yet accessible, ensuring ease of use without affecting the aesthetics. This update brought the system closer to becoming a fully wearable interface.
Integration with the Bodysuit¶
The LED system is integrated directly onto the bodysuit fabric, with the controller and circuit board strategically housed within sewn compartments. This modular design allows the costume to be cleaned or maintained without damaging the electronics.
In terms of style, I plan to embellish the fabric with rhinestones, which will reflect and diffuse the LED light for a sparkling, dynamic effect. This subtle interplay between light and material adds a touch of glamour and enhances the bodysuit’s futuristic feel.
Hidden Wings Mechanism¶
In addition to lighting, the costume incorporates hidden mechanical wings. These are layered over the bodysuit but beneath the outer costume, allowing for dramatic reveals.
The wing mechanism is designed to be detachable and extendable, enabling performers to deploy or remove them without needing to take off the entire costume. This feature is ideal for quick costume changes and adds a performance-enhancing, theatrical dimension to the design
Step 3: Wing Deployment System¶
This image shows how the wings attach to the costume and the method by which they extend. The mechanism is built for both ease of use and comfort, allowing for quick adjustments during performances.
The detachable design ensures the costume remains lightweight, versatile, and performance-ready, without compromising on style or structural integrity.
-Fab Academy 2024 Video Presentation.
Extra: Microcontroller Mount Prototype¶
Initially, I planned to use a Lilypad microcontroller mounted via a 3D-printed snap-fit connector. To achieve this, I modified a Thingiverse file using Tinkercad, customizing the connector to securely hold the board in place on the fabric.
Unfortunately, after several tests, I encountered significant compatibility issues with the Lilypad board, and the performance was unreliable. Despite troubleshooting, I decided to pivot away from this solution.
Though ultimately scrapped, the custom snap-fit mount remains a valuable asset. It could easily be repurposed in future projects or shared with the maker community. This part of the journey highlighted the importance of adaptability in prototyping and the learning that comes from failure as much as success.
LilyPad Arduino USB - ATmega32U4 Board_Holder
Reflection¶
This project represents a meaningful step in the intersection of fashion, performance, and embedded electronics. It began with a simple vision—adding light to fabric—and grew into a more complex exploration of wearable interaction and theatrical design.
Through multiple iterations, I learned how to blend style with function, designing a costume that is both visually striking and technically sophisticated. From touch-sensitive lighting to concealed mechanical wings, every detail was developed with both the performer and the audience in mind.
Above all, this project reminded me that design is an iterative process, full of unexpected twists, setbacks, and breakthroughs. Each challenge became a learning opportunity, and each solution brought the concept closer to life.
notes
- I burn out the XIAO ESP32-C3 while testing.