Hug simulation jacket lets parents calm kids via mobile devices

The T.Jacket is a tablet or smartphone-controlled jacket that uses embedded air pockets to simulate hugs and calm children without human contact.

Toys designed specifically with autistic children in mind – such as the Auti – can help to make them feel more comfortable in their environment and improve their social behavior. With similar aims, the T.Jacket is a tablet-controlled jacket that uses embedded air pockets to simulate hugs and calm children without human contact.

The jacket is based on ‘deep pressure theory’, which suggests that pressure has a soothing effect on children with autism or attention deficit disorders who don’t process sensory information in the same way as those without the condition. Pockets of air are lined around the waist and shoulders of the jacket and – when instructed to do so via an app – inflate to produce the effect of a hug. For autistic children, the jacket provides the sensations involved with a hug without the potentially distressing human interaction. Parents or guardians can set the amount of pressure through the app and can also control multiple jackets with one device, for cases when they’re looking after more than one child. Sensors in the apparel also offer feedback on activity levels to help users determine when to best deploy a hug. The following video explains more about how the T.Jacket works:

 

Although initially developed with autistic children in mind, the T.Jacket may have a wider application for parents with jobs that require them to spend time away from home or education settings where teacher-child contact is increasingly disallowed for safety reasons. The jackets are available to pre-order for USD 399 and are currently compatible with the iPad, iPhone, Samsung Galaxy SIII and Samsung Note II. Are there other ways to reduce the pressure on parents – especially those caring for less able children – using new technology?

Website: www.mytjacket.com
Contact: www.mytjacket.com/contact-us
Spotted by: Lily Dixon

Source : Springwise

Scannable pyjamas contain bedtime stories

Smart PJ’s aim to make bedtime more engaging by enabling kids to scan its patterns to unlock new stories.

Most parents will know just how difficult it is to get their kids to bed at the right time, especially if work life means they don’t have much time to relax at home. While Japan has offered the Hug and Dream Minnie Mouse – a toy with a lulling mechanism that mimics slow breathing – our latest spotting is Smart PJ’s, pyjamas that make bedtime more engaging by enabling kids to scan the garment’s patterns to unlock new stories.

Developed by Idaho-based realtor Juan Murdoch, the all-in-one pyjamas are covered with unique dot patterns that act similarly to QR codes – when scanned using the tie-in app, one of 47 stories or lessons is brought up on the smartphone or tablet. While traditional storytelling has been a staple of children’s pre-bedtime ritual, many are now growing up with more attention-grabbing devices. By pairing new technology with bedtime clothes, Smart PJ’s makes preparing to sleep an engaging activity for today’s kids. Murdoch is a father of six and it’s easy to see how this kind of development can ease some pressure on parents, especially those with busy lives. Although the digital stories can be a joint reading venture for kids and parents, it is possible for children to entertain themselves with the Smart PJ’s, especially as the stories come with optional narration through the app. The video below offers a demonstration of the clothes:

 

 

Available for both boys and girls, Smart PJ’s retail for USD 25 each, while the app is free. How else can devices relieve the stress of parenting – without becoming an obstacle between important parent-child bonds?

Website: www.smartpjs.com
Spotted by: Murtaza Patel

Source : Springwise