Exploring soft sensors and eTextiles

[gallery] The DIY community and small research studios around the world are continuously pushing the boundaries on the possibilities of eTextiles. Here are some interesting projects and sensors that are being explored:

Bodyinterface introduces various wearable/installation projects done by SIAT soft-circuit research group members in Simon Fraser University as well as projects from the Body Interface course in the same university. Inspired by Hannah Perner-Wilson’s stroke sensor, they're investigating their own which sense when they are touched and stroked. (images)

Hannah Perner-Wilson at Plusea investigates stroke sensors made out of carefully crafted conductive threads:

She is also exploring interesting resistive fabric sensors that can bend and be washed:

And one of my favorite, also from Perner-Wilson, combines craft and technology by knitting a sensor that measures stretch:

If you want to dive in and start doing your own exploration, Lynne Bruning has an informative video that covers the basic materials that you need to start creating and prototyping your own:

Images from bodyinterface.

A variety of DIY fabric and knitted sensors

[gallery] For all you DIY enthusiast out there, Kobakant has a collection of very useful fabric and knitted sensors equipped with easy-to-understand instructions on how to make all of them. From knitted pressure sensors to conductive pompoms, this collection shows you how to make your electronics out of soft and wearable materials.

From left to right:

Crochet or knitted simple pressure sensors allow you to change the aesthetics of your pressure sensors and run them through the wash (main image). Fabric bend sensor replaces a traditional bend sensor so that you can wash it. Knitted stretchy cable allows you to connect your knitted sensors. Neoprene LED light pouch is a soft and sewable container for your leds. Conductive pompoms replace your wiring with cute and fuzzy conductive yarn. Circular knit stretch sensor changes value when you pull and stretch it.

More on kobakant.at. Photos from kobakant.at.