MOBI-X

Design for Extreme Environments Apparel Design Digital Fabrication Physical Computation


Fig. 1 & 2: Spacesuit design references, ideation, brainstorming, Fig. 3: CLO 3D simulation of fabric fold structures, Fig. 4: CLO 3D Spacesuit design, Fig. 5: Physical prototype, Fig. 6: Using NiTi as external mechanical pressurization via a piezo ribbon sensor across the limb, Video. 1: Piezo ribbon sensor controls the NiTi actuation 

This studio builds on the precedents set by MIT’s 3D Knit BioSuit™ research by Prof. Dava Newman and team, extending its exploration of soft, body-conforming pressure systems through physical computing and advanced textile fabrication. The project investigates how Nitinol, known for its shape-memory and actuation properties can function as a controllable mechanized layer within a wearable pressure garment. By integrating an Arduino-driven system with a ribbon piezo sensor, the textile architecture modulates localized external pressurization in response to limb movement, enabling a dynamic, movement-aware actuation loop. Through this coupling of smart materials and embedded sensing, the work prototypes an adaptive pressure system capable of supporting next-generation extravehicular mobility.


Acknowledgements: This work was done towards the fulfilment of the Master in Industrial Design program during Spring of 2025 and was partially supported by RISD Industrial Design Department's Marc Harrison Fund.


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