Scientists design clothes that can detect abuse

Washington: Scientists have boosted the presence of computers on our bodies by creating a wearable technology that detects abuse.

Adam Whiton, a technologist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and apparel designer Yolita Nugent, created a wearable clothing system designed to detect harsh pushes, grabs, slaps and hits.

According to the duo, the system could help victims with the process of self-realization by building up a history of abuse or it could be coupled with a computer that helps the victim explore remedial options.

“Abuse pretty much exists because it remains isolated. How do you get people talking about it?” ‘Discovery News’ quoted Whiton, as saying.

“The only real evidence used now in domestic abuse is documenting bruises and eye witness testimony,” he added. Whiton and Nugent wanted to investigate whether the growing trend of wearable computers could eventually be tasked with other functions, like detecting abuse.

Their prototype system is a hoodie that has large fabric-based pressure sensors sewn into the liner. The sensors — which are divided into eight body zones, including upper chest, stomach, forearms, etc. — sort out and measure the intensity and patterns of forces exerted on the wearer's body.

Whiton and Nugent interviewed abuse survivors to get responses about the idea and then simulated aggressive interactions with research volunteers.

They discovered some interesting facts including that the part of the body most prominently injured was the forearm, and that the victims are often grabbed by their wrist or put up their arm to block their face.