RESHAPE19 | Cognified matter
Wearable technology category
Neovedic
My name is Victoria Fey, I’m an independent innovation designer and the founder of the small brand, NEÓVEDIC®. Recent changes in Earth’s climate point at a pressing need to clean our oceans. I am creating an upgraded wet-suit gear that will ensure the safety of ocean clean-up teams and underwater disaster relief.
Lined with layers of cut-resistant fabric and conductive 3D printed Graphene, this body armor will be a revolutionary step in environmental safety and communication between crew members working away from shore.
The exo-shell’s function is to effectively protect limbs, major organs, and arteries from potential shark attacks, underwater rocks, and other harmful elements that deep water clean up team may encounter on a mission. Neoprene shell is reinforced with slash resistant fabric and layered with 3D printed Graphene – the lightest, strongest and most conductive material ever discovered. A smart digital wrist display (+built-in set of headphones & microphone option) will make it possible for the crew members to communicate with each other, read the water depth, or send an SOS distress signal. Graphene’s conductivity allows for the 3D printed panels to be programmed for voice command recognition. By adding sensor stickers to the inner layer, the suit will measure vitals such as body temperature, ECG (electrocardiogram), oxygen saturation and blood pressure. (displayed on the smart control panel built in the wrist area of the sleeve). We will be testing apps, Bluetooth, USB, and other connective options. In order to provide the ability for the scuba divers to lift heavy objects from the ocean floor, I am collaborating with EduExo – an educational technology company in Zürich. The suit will have removable joints for the wearable electronic exoskeleton, programmed and operated by a microcontroller.
A team can choose the exterior of the uniform from an array of camouflage patterns. The design is form fitting, light and less penetrable than other wetsuits on the market. Most of the 3D printing, programming and fusing materials together will be done at local building workshop studios, such as MakerSpace and Pioneer Works. For this project to succeed I need to raise additional funds to purchase equipment and fabrics, Edge hot knife, programmable joints, extra 3D printing components and filament, sensors, etc. I will be working with a professional seamstress in a studio located in Industry City (Brooklyn, NY). For product development and testing, we are teaming up with Exponent’s Laboratory who uses Anthropomorphic Test Devices. There the suit will be tested to ensure its durability. The approximate cost for equipment, materials, and testing is going to be $2,000 – $6,000. The estimated cost to make each suit is going to be $400 – $800.
This patent-pending smart suit gear will give a sense of safety and encouragement to the contributors of the marine ecosystem preservation efforts. I will be contacting environmental organizations directly seeking fiscal sponsorship and will promote the gear through an Instagram portfolio, run a crowdfunding campaign, to subsequently bring interest from ecological organizations as well as popular online publications. While its growing, my small brand aims to raise awareness and connect volunteers with environmental organizations. By designing this suit, I am creating a stylish, functional and wearable technology, focusing on combining sustainability and innovation.
