SimpliSafe
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Unprecedented times call for unprecedented sweaters. Step into the SimpliSafe Social Distancing Sweater which will sound an alarm if other people are within 6 feet.
The sweater for them COVID-19 era is a bit of creative PR for SimpliSafe, a Home security system supplier. However, the company produced a working prototype of the sweater.
"Remind your family that you are happy to see them but happier 6 feet away," a promotional video for the outerwear reads. The video shows a man in a mask wearing the blue Christmas sweater, which is decorated with images of snowflakes and locks. When others approach, LED lights flash and the siren screeches. This is not understated fashion.
SimpliSafe says its socially distant sweater is designed to add a touch of lightness to a challenging Christmas season when many skip their usual festive gatherings. For those who celebrate with other people, the sweater has motion sensors to determine when others are getting too close.
Track the coronavirus pandemic.
"We use four low-resolution thermal imaging cameras to monitor your entire perimeter," explains SimpliSafe. "The simple algorithm calculates the basic background temperature and looks for a warm body nearby."
SimpliSafe has given away a limited number of socially distant sweaters without the built-in technology, but detailed instructions have been released for those interested in upgrading their sweaters or creating their own wired version from scratch. Do you have a microcontroller, small speaker, microSD card, LEDs, cable, and inline USB power switch in your box of craft toys? Experience with 3D printing, soldering and programming also helps.
SimpliSafe takes care to include a number of disclaimers for the sweater, including the (hopefully) obvious one that no one should consider foolproof antivirus.
"The Social Distancing Sweater is intended as a fun vacation conversation piece rather than a serious COVID-19 prevention device. Please follow CDC guidelines and state and local laws and regulations."
This is not the first item of clothing that others recognize nearby. In 2018 Ogilvy advertising agency revealed the Dress For Respect, a conceptual piece of clothing for the #MeToo era with sensors that measure where and when the wearer feels.
