The Flower Awakens
Interactive Garments | Human Robot Interaction
2024
The Flower Awakens is a computer vision-powered interactive dress. Whoever stands in the wearer’s path can use ‘the force’ to interact with the flowers on the dress, bringing them to life through movement and connection.
In a world often divided, engineering and beauty have the power to bring people closer together. Imagine garments that invite others to be part of the story—interactive creations that transform self-expression into a shared experience, bridging gaps and sparking connection in ways words never could.
The Flower Awakens is designed as a statement piece for my future graduation ceremony as a mechanical engineer. This dress symbolizes my journey, blending the technical skills I have cultivated over the years with a feminine and creative twist. More than just a garment, it is an interactive experience, allowing others to control its floral movements through hand rotations, evoking a sense of wonder, joy, and the magic of 'the force.' I hope to share this moment of awe and connection with everyone present, celebrating not only my achievements but also the endless possibilities of combining technology and art.
This project addresses several technical issues. One of the primary challenges was managing motor torque to ensure the smooth rotation of the flowers without overloading the system or causing mechanical failure. Additionally, precise calibration was required to prevent the rotational flowers from colliding or getting stuck with the static flowers. The placement of wiring within the soft satin fabric structure posed another significant challenge, as it needed to be secure and discreet to maintain the elegance of the dress. Integrating a camera small enough to fit seamlessly into the front of the dress while maintaining its functionality was equally critical. Lastly, designing the system to operate autonomously, without relying on a nearby computer, added an extra layer of complexity to the project.
The goal of The Flower Awakens is to explore how wearable technology can create meaningful interactions while remaining a visually captivating work of art. Through the use of computer vision, the dress enables individuals to control its dynamic floral elements with hand gestures, creating moments of awe and engagement. This design bridges the gap between engineering and fashion, transforming a garment into an interactive experience that conveys movement, connection, and innovation.
Overall, this project redefines wearable technology as a medium for both self-expression and shared experiences. The Flower Awakens represents the harmonious integration of technical innovation and artistic vision, symbolizing transformation, unity, and joy. By overcoming challenges in motor design, wiring placement, camera integration, and system autonomy, this dress stands as a testament to the potential of wearable art to inspire wonder and foster connection.
The creation of The Flower Awakens was a multifaceted process that combined traditional garment construction techniques with cutting-edge technology. It began with pattern making to design the base structure of the dress, ensuring it could support both its aesthetic elements and the embedded technology. The fabric chosen, satin, required careful handling to achieve a balance between softness and durability, as it needed to house wiring and motors. Sewing the dress involved precision and patience to integrate functional elements while maintaining a polished appearance. Every detail was crafted with the intention of merging beauty and functionality into a cohesive design.
On the technical side, the project involved extensive 3D printing to create custom motor mounts that could handle the torque required for smooth flower movement. The dress was equipped with a compact camera integrated into the front, and Open CV was used to recognize and track gestures. This allowed individuals to interact with the dress, controlling its floral movements using hand rotations. Months of programming and testing went into refining the system. The entire process was a true collaboration between art and engineering, pushing the boundaries of what wearable technology can achieve.
Pattern making
Sewing
Additive Manufacturing
Robotics
Making others smile is the ultimate superpower. And while imagining extraordinary abilities is fun, why not take it a step further? Create something beautiful that lets you feel like a superhero—turning fantasy into reality.
Through computer vision, people can take control—directly guiding the movement of flowers, transforming technology into an interaction of art and connection.
ROBOTICS
Project code here
Testing computer vision algorithm.
Integration of electronics into garment.
Fashion Week Panama
Panama Fashion Week was an incredible opportunity to showcase the fusion of technology and fashion. The Flower Awakens took center stage, captivating guests with its dynamic, interactive design that transformed traditional perceptions of wearable art. Worn by Maia, the dress sparked awe and curiosity among attendees, blending a bold feminine statement with technical ingenuity. The event brought together designers, artists, and innovators from across the region, making it the perfect venue to highlight the dress’s message of connection and transformation. Attendees marveled as the flowers on the dress responded to gestures, creating moments of joy and engagement that lingered throughout the night. This unforgettable experience demonstrated the power of combining engineering and creativity, leaving an impression not only on the audience but also on the future of fashion technology.
As more women join engineering fields, we are presented with an opportunity to explore new ways of doing things—infusing creativity, empathy, and diverse perspectives into innovation. We can inspire future generations to see engineering as a space where creativity flourishes, boundaries are pushed, and everyone has a place to create meaningful change.
CREDITS
videography and photography
Margaret Valera
facilities and 3D printers
Cornell Maker Club