NUS: huggy pajama

child with haptic pajama

huggy pajama is a wearable system aimed at promoting physical interaction in remote
communication between parent and child. this system, developed by mixed reality lab
at the national university of singapore (NUS), enables parents and children to embrace
one another through a hugging interface device and a wearable, hug reproducing pajama
connected through the internet.

the hugging device is a small, mobile doll with an embedded pressure sensing circuit
that is able to accurately sense varying range of human force produced from natural touch.
it is connected via the internet to a haptic wearable pajama with embedded air pockets,
heating elements and color changing fabric. this pajama is able to simulate hug to the
wearer according to the inputs from the hugging interface, as well as generate warmth
to accompany the hug, display color changes according to distance of separation between
parent and child, and display emoticons. the system provides a semantically meaningful
interface that can easily be understood by children and parents as a reproduction of hugging.
furthermore, hug sensation is produced in a calm and relaxing way through air, rather
than through vibration or other mechanical means.


haptic pajama detail


mother with input device




input device detail


parent hugging child remotely through mobile doll device

doll embedded with sensors


hug band known as the 'air actuating module' with led display controlled by input device


detail of 'air actuating module' with led display to be embedded within the pajama


left to right: no pressure applied to input device, medium pressure, full pressure


8 air pockets to simulate different hugs




material of jacket is embedded with air pockets, heating elements and color changing fabric


interaction diagram


block diagram of system