Gallery: Go Bionic With These Wearable Arduino Projects
01led-eyelashes
The emerging field of smart textiles, known as "Wearables" or e-textiles, has gained considerable momentum in the past few years as enthusiasts continue to build more and more complex projects with microcontrollers that keep growing in power while shrinking in size. The [LilyPad Arduino](http://arduino.cc/en/Main/ArduinoBoardLilyPad) microcontroller board helped bring a large developer community into Wearables with its debut in 2007; since then it has allowed many of those who dream of blending technology and everyday clothing to build out their ideas. The diminutive microprocessor, designed to be incorporated into apparel or other soft goods, has easy connectors that integrate with a range of sensors and actuators with conductive thread. This combination opens a new platform for technology and fashion, allowing for easy projects like embedded LEDS, or more advanced projects like motorized, moving components that react from environmental conditions. Since the debut of the Lilypad, there have been advancements in the open source wearable technology arena, with the [Adafruit Flora](http://www.adafruit.com/blog/2012/01/20/announcing-the-flora-adafruits-wearable-electronics-platform-and-accessories/) being the next generation of that field, providing more advanced specs in an even smaller package. __Above:__ Digital Eyeshadow ----------------- Designer Lulin Ding has created a [digitized version of eyeshadow](http://dlulin.com/projects/digital-eyeshadow/), constructed from an Arduino Lilypad and thin wires that double as a supportive frame that surrounds the eye with a cyber look. Hoping to recreate the effect of standard eyeshadow that is primarily visible when the eyes are closed, Ding's high-tech version lights up in response to blinking. [#iframe: http://player.vimeo.com/video/22384688?badge=0](660x371)|||||| [Digitized Eyeshadow](http://vimeo.com/22384688) from [Lulin Ding](http://vimeo.com/user3623898) on [Vimeo](http://vimeo.com). *Photo: Courtesy Lulin Ding*
02beat-glove
Beat Glove ---------- A [beat glove project](http://www.jacekspiewla.com/projects/beatglove/) that interfaces with the Arduino Lilypad to create sound that corresponds to finger tapping. The sensor data links to a computer where a Flash-based application translates the sensor data into various tones, variable by pressure and sound. *Photo: Courtesy Jacek Spiewla*
03dress
Slide Dress ----------- A LilyPad Arduino is used to [control the LEDs of this dress](http://www.ecouterre.com/made-from-recycled-film-slides-this-led-dress-will-light-up-your-night/) that uses a blend of old tech (photo slides) and new. The LEDs are embedded behind the slides and respond to the amount of environmental light there is; during the day, when it’s brighter outside, the outfit looks like any little black dress, but when the lights dims, the LEDs respond by lighting and changing the dress into a shimmering multitude of images via the slides. *Photo: Courtesy Emily Steel*
04led-suit
Super Hero Challenge Costume ---------------------------- 260 LEDs along with the LilyPad Arduino were used to create this entry in a [Super Hero Design Challenge](http://www.fashioningtech.com/profiles/blogs/super-hero-design-challenge) held in Portugal in early 2012. This was developed by a team from Technical University Eindhoven for a superhero that they created named Axon. "The superhero Axon is able to collect his light energy by swiping over an area of his body and transferring the light from that part of the body into an orb on his hand and releasing it by pushing it out in a burst of light," the Super Hero Design Challenge website reports. "The photo above is the back of the suit and was the team’s way to celebrate the technology and intrigue the viewer." http://www.youtube.com/embed/csjtUfO1MmM *Photo: Courtesy Jacquelyn van Kampen*
05breathalyzer
Breath Analyzer --------------- Wouldn't it be nice to always have a friend who would let you know when you've had enough? And didn't try to borrow money? This jacket has a [built in breath analyzer](http://cargocollective.com/mattleggett/Breathalyser-Jacket) that the wearer can use to keep tabs on how his night is going. You can discreetly use it by pulling on your jackets collar, blowing into the built in nozzle, and get a reading. If that doesn't look natural in a bar at closing time, we don't know what does. *Photo: Courtesy Matt Leggett*
06moving-pet
Moving Pet ---------- Need a pet, but don't want the mess? How about a [Wearable pet](http://www.dyvikdesign.com/site/portfolio-jens/ref.html)? This little guy is designed to respond to the owner's moods, which makes it the next evolutionary step from virtual pets. It uses six servo motors and an Arduino to power its responsiveness; it senses the wearer's mood by monitoring changes in heartbeat rhythms, and when it notices you getting a bit tense, it raises its head and tail to remind you to slow down a bit. *Photo: Courtesy Jens Dyvik*
07turn-signal
Bike Turn Signal Jacket ----------------------- A great combination of technology, clothing and biking. A turn signal jacket that was created to increase the safety of bike riders. In this going-green world, where bicycle travel is continuing to grow as an alternative transportation method, this blend of usability seems inevitable. Leah Buechley has the full [writeup to make your own](http://www.instructables.com/id/turn-signal-biking-jacket/) on Instructables. *Photo: Courtesy Leah Buechley*
