Wearables

Wearables are pieces of hardware that are to be worn in order to collect data such as heart rate, blood pressure, or heat.
The definition can be simplified to any wearable technology which interfaces or collects data from us. Ultimately the goal of wearables is to create "smart" devices which can facilitate certain aspects of life. For example, wearables are a relevant aspect of the medical field as they can be used to constantly monitor the vitals of patients.

Tech Kits

Tech Kits are part of the walk-in service provided by Innovate Labs. There are three levels of difficulty meant for different users and their experience with the different technologies. Many of the Tech Kits build off each other as you progress.

Beginner

Heart Rate Sensor

Length: 30 Minutes

Description: Wearable technology includes devices that gather information from the body, and this project introduces how such devices function by building a simple heart rate monitor. Using an Arduino microcontroller, a pulse sensor, LEDs, and a buzzer, students assemble a circuit that detects changes in blood flow and translates them into visual and audio signals. The Arduino processes the sensor’s analog data, while components like resistors, breadboards, and power connections help stabilize and distribute the signals. By programming the system through the Arduino software, users can observe heart rate patterns and explore how code influences the device’s responses.

Intermediate

Smart Watch

Length: 45 Minutes

Description: Using an Arduino microcontroller, a pulse sensor, LEDs, and a buzzer, students assemble a simple wearable-style circuit that measures changes in blood flow and converts them into visual and audio signals. The Arduino reads the sensor’s analog data and uses components such as resistors, breadboards, and power lines to keep the signals stable and organized. After uploading the program through the Arduino software, users can watch the LEDs and buzzer respond to heartbeat patterns in real time. This setup offers an accessible way to see how hardware and code work together to capture biometric information and create an interactive monitoring system.

Advanced

E-Paper Name Tag (IN PROGRESS)

Length: 60 Minutes

Description: Using a Raspberry Pi and an E-paper Module, students can build an e-paper name tag which uses little power to display information like ink on paper.

Resources

Arduino Uno

Quantity: 10

Description: A single board microcontroller kit for building digital devices.

Arduino IDE

Type: Software

Description: In the Arduino IDLE you can enter code and run programs.

 

E-Paper Module

Quantity: 2

Description: A display technology that mimics the appearance of ink on paper, offering a high-contrast, paper-like reading experience that is easy on the eyes and viewable in direct sunlight.

Pulse Sensors

Quantity: 2

Description: An Arduino-compatible device for measuring heart rate.

LCD Module

Quantity: 5

Description: LCD displays are used to digitally display information from other connected components.

Raspberry Pi

Quantity: 5

Description: Raspberry Pi is a small, low-cost, single-board computer designed to teach circuitry at the size of a credit card.