Myo-skin: Clothing Which Makes Myogenic Potential Visible

Making visible the otherwise invisible information occurring beneath the human skin, a myriad of colors will appear as those wearing the clothing engage in physical actions. This will give joy to the human eye and in addition, as a future form of clothing, it will exhibit the relationship between information and people. This system is divided into two parts; the electromyographic part which retrieves surface myoelectricity converted from the movement of muscles, and the display part where the colors of patterns on the clothing fitted to the forearm are changed according to the capacity of variation in myoelectric output. We have developed three elements for this device. The first is a myoelectric capturing element which utilizes a differential amplifier circuit. Second, a mapping element which transforms the myogenic potential information gained above into color information. Third, a textile element in a form easy to wear, designed with optical fibers which imitate the form of muscle fibers. First of all, the participant wearing myo-skin will be asked to experience how they are using their muscles when they lift heavy objects. Following this, a staff "arm-wrestling" match will be held, allowing participants to experience the colorful changes in the textile depending on the amount of power used in their arms. We adopted arm-wrestling so that the participants would pay greater attention to the muscle power released unconsciously while concentrating on the battle with the opponent. In coming into contact with the information below the skin which would otherwise go undetected, it is possible to become aware of how muscle power is being used and for which movements. Through the easy wearing and removal of this device, we will make the participant sense the real possibility of myo-skin as a clothing of the future.

Junichi Kanebako
Joshibi University of Art and Design

Hiroaki Oishi
teamLab Inc.

Lisako Ishigami
Joshibi University Of Art And Design

Hiroko Uchiyama
Joshibi University Of Art And Design