Wearables¶

What are Acctuators?¶

In this week's module, we explored how actuators can be integrated into wearable designs, examining their different functions and applications across various industries.

An actuator, or output device, is a circuit component that moves or controls another part in response to a signal from an input or sensor. It converts energy - typically electrical, hydraulic, or pneumatic - into controlled mechanical motion. Often described as the "muscle" behind automation, an actuator bridges the gap between control signals and physical movement, making it an essential component of many modern technological systems.

Types of Acctuators¶

Accuators can be divided in three categories:

Visual¶

᭪༊ LEDs

᭪༊ Neopixels

᭪༊ Fiber Optics

᭪༊ Thermochromic Ink

Sound¶

᭪༊ Textile Sepeakers

Motion¶

᭪༊ Shape Memory Alloys

᭪༊ Flip Dots

᭪༊ Vibe Motors + Haptics

How Acctuators and Wearables intersect?¶

Actuators can significantly enhance the different functions of clothing. They can help us express and communicate our identity to the world around us, while enabling garments to respond to environmental and sensory inputs. This technology can support applications in areas such as education and rehabilitation, while also using those same inputs to protect the wearer from potential environmental risks. what is this weeks objetive

Week's Objective¶

In this week's module, we will develop a material swatch using actuators from two of the three groups previously mentioned. As well as an Inpout/Output connection, using hard and soft connections.

Application References¶

* Thermochromic screenprint - [Ruby Lennox  - FabLab Bcn](https://class.textile-academy.org/2024/ruby-lennox/assignments/week08/#process-and-workflow)

* Led responsive glove - [Marion Guillaud - Le TextileLab lyon](https://class.textile-academy.org/2024/marion-guillaud/assignments/week08/#video-final-result-with-glove)

* Thermochromic and sound research - [Stephanie Johnson - TextileLab Amsterdam](https://class.textile-academy.org/2024/stephanie-johnson/assignments/week08/#t-h-e-r-m-o-c-h-r-o-m-i-c)

* Interactive glove - [Stephanie Vilayphiou- Green Fabric](https://class.textile-academy.org/2024/stephanie-vilayphiou/assignments/week08/)

_Add your fav alumni's pages as references_

• or embed your own PDF as:

• Video references: Vimeo (only when not yours)

• Video references: Youtube (only when not yours)

Workshop Overview - NeoPixels¶

My Project Aim¶

Idea para a flor textil:

I began by testing how the servo motor worked, as I had never used one before.

To do this, I connected the servo motor directly to an Arduino Uno to observe its rotation and experimented with the code to understand how it could be controlled.

5. Results¶

links for more information:

https://www.firgelliauto.com/blogs/news/what-is-an-actuator-1

6. Weekly reflection & critical thinking¶

• What did I learn? What did I personally find interesting or surprised me?
• What would I do differently? If something "failed" do I know how else to tackle it now?"
• How does this connect to my final project or my learning trajectory?
• What are implications and possible applications, think also from the ethical or environmental aspect, how it could connect to your practice and project?

7. Fabrication files & References¶