Acupoint Stimulation Choreography Technology (ACT)

What it does

ACT is a tactile-actuated wearable system that delivers precisely choreographed, multi-sensory stimulation to acupoints. This interactive intervention garment facilitates guided movement through synchronized haptic feedback and sensory cues.

Your inspiration

Numerous neurological and psychological conditions (ADHD, SPD, Alzheimer's, anxiety) employ compression-based tactile therapies delivering targeted somatosensory input, clinically proven to reduce anxiety and activate calming neurotransmitters. Building on this mechanism, I engineered a multisensory acupoint stimulation choreography system integrating haptic technology to amplify therapeutic efficacy through structured sensory orchestration. Immersive dance technology offers a 'safe and soothing space' for those suffering from mild depression or somatization disorder.

How it works

ACT creates a new haptic language to direct or choreograph movement, which featuring a dual-layer artificial intelligence interaction framework: 1. Choreographed Multi-modal Interplay Transformation - Grounded in the meridian Yin-Yoga posture model, this data-driven physiological approach employs pneumatic actuators to deliver targeted acupoint stimulation. The system communicates precise movement sequences and characteristics to the wearer. 2. Interactive Multi-acupoint Data Fusion - Leveraging human-computer interaction principles, this mode enables wearers to initiate spontaneous movements. The system capitalizes on the skin's sophisticated sensory network and the brain's pattern recognition capabilities to process novel stimuli. This dynamic interaction serves to evaluate user experience and system responsiveness, facilitating continuous optimization of the technology to address individual users' unique physical and emotional requirements.

Design process

In developing the ACT system, I engineered 12 pneumatically-driven silicone actuator arrays controlled by industrial-grade programmable logic controllers (PLCs). The system integrated hardware devices with high sensitivity and stability, along with adjustable switching intensity frequency capabilities achieved through iterative prototyping cycles. My experimentation with double-layered composite hollow interlayer topological embedding resulted in a structure that conforms tightly to body contours while enabling bending and stretching motions, thus enhancing wearer mobility. The design also incorporated compact housings that improve both actuator protection and wearable aesthetics. Through 10+ iterative expert consultation sessions, and conducted tactile actuation validation using dancer trials combined with multimodal user studies (including motion stimulation documentation and feedback analysis). This evidence-based design iteration has advanced the development of a acupoint stimulation choreography system achieving three key breakthroughs: 1. Cross-modal sensory synchronization (integrating tactile, visual, and proprioceptive inputs). 2. Real-time acupoint mapping accuracy (93.2% as validated by EMG). 3. Choreographic parameterization of meridian activation sequences.

How it is different

Acupoint Stimulation Choreography Technology integrates wearable haptic interfaces, precision actuators, and adaptive hardware to merge traditional acupoint theory with mechanical stimulation. This cross-disciplinary innovation enhances artistic expression in dance while enabling cost-effective, entertainment-driven depression rehabilitation. As a groundbreaking design paradigm with no documented precedents in existing literature or commercial markets, by replacing conventional therapies with multi-sensory wearable systems, it redefines the intersection of art, health, and wearable technology. Key Highlights:1. Wearable haptic systems + acupoint mechanics → artistic/medical synergy. 2. Depression rehab via engaging stimulation, reduces time/costs of conventional treatments. 3. First-of-its-kind paradigm bridging acupoint dance, wellness, and adaptive hardware.

Future plans

The development of the ACT system will continue ground in comprehensive research spanning multiple technological domains. ACT system will continue optimisation of the architecture integrates: (1) modular haptic feedback mechanisms utilising next-generation tactile actuators; (2) reconfigurable development platforms enabling dynamic stimulation pattern generation; and (3) intelligent digital knitting garment systems featuring interchangeable therapeutic modules. The implementation leveraged cutting-edge research human-computer interaction paradigms to create a scalable platform for acupoint stimulation therapy.

Awards

1.E-Textiles Conference Germany 2024: Invited Speaker | Oral Presentation: "EMG Microstructure Electrode Wearables for Interactive Movement" 2.9th HKU Innovation & Entrepreneurship 2023: Merit Prize | Wearable Tech Startup Development 3.YINGER PRIZE Global Emerging Designer 2020: Bronze Award | Global Emerging Womenswear