Shapes can embody individual emotions. Inspired by the movie Inside Out, I want to create a shape-changing fabric (potentially wearable) that represents three emotions—happiness, sadness, and anger—and responds differently in each emotional state. The project involves two main steps:
First, I plan to develop a bistable textile by printing on elongated fabrics that can change shape through simple energy sources. I envision using liquid crystal elastomers (LCE) to trigger movement. Users will be able to visually perceive the shape changes: sharp, pointy shapes for anger; slow, wavy movements for sadness; and quick, dynamic shifts for happiness. With a simple touch, the fabric will change its shape accordingly.
Second, I aim to use large language models (LLMs) to develop “emo-characters” that speak in different emotional states. For example, when you press the anger character, it might express frustration or even curse on your behalf. I would incorporate speakers for the emo-characters, allowing them to respond to written text with distinct personalities based on the chosen emotion.
