In Disney films, cute little critters hang around with the protagonists, even going as far as to climb on them, and Rovables from Stanford and MIT offer the same experience, only with robots. Designed as a counterpoint to the increasingly popular wearable devices on the market today, the Rovables take that sensory input a step father as completely mobile robots rather than stationary, single-purpose devices.
The concept robots attach to people's clothing via a magnetic series of pins, two on the outside of the clothing and one on the inside, that attach to each other through the material. They can they roam all around that piece of clothing.
More than just a gimmick though, the Rovables have sensors that can collect relevant and useful information. Further, the robots can be equipped with LED screens to connect and display that information on a user's body.
Roving Body Robots
Stanford and MIT's Rovables are Miniature Robots that Hang on People's Bodies
Trend Themes
1. Mobile Robotics - The Rovables showcase the potential for mobile robotics that can attach to and interact with people's clothing.
2. Sensory Wearables - The Rovables highlight the concept of sensory wearables that gather and display relevant information.
3. Interactive Clothing - The Rovables demonstrate the innovation in interactive clothing that can be enhanced with embedded robotic technology.
Industry Implications
1. Consumer Electronics - The consumer electronics industry can explore the development of mobile robotic devices that attach to clothing.
2. Fashion and Apparel - The fashion and apparel industry has room for growth in the creation of sensory wearables that offer unique user experiences.
3. Technology and Robotics - The technology and robotics industry can embrace the concept of interactive clothing by integrating robots with fabric and accessories.