Soft Robotic Technological Probe for Speculative Fashion Futures

Bibliographic Data

ID22190827
AuthorsAmy Ingold (0009-0008-3026-5348, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK), Loong Yi Lee (0000-0002-7354-6018, Monash University Malaysia), Richard Suphapol Diteesawat (0000-0001-7002-5658, University of Bristol), Ajmal Roshan (0000-0002-0655-1941, University of Bristol), Yael Zekaria (0000-0002-2806-1206, University of Bristol), Edith-Clare Hall (0000-0003-4492-3416, University of Bristol), Enrico Werner (0009-0006-3682-3078, University of Bristol), Nahian Rahman (0000-0002-2899-7266, University of Bristol), Elaine Czech (0000-0002-8923-0085, University of Bristol), Jonathan M Rossiter (0000-0002-9109-9987, University of Bristol)
Year2026
Volume15
Issue3
Pages1-28
Publication date2026-05-31
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueACM Transactions on Human-Robot Interaction (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2573-9522 • E-ISSN: 2573-9522
PublisherAssociation for Computing Machinery (ACM) (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1145/3799976
OpenAlexW7135235501
LanguageEN
References cited80

Emerging wearable robotics demand design approaches that address not only function but also social meaning. In response, we present Sumbrella, a soft robotic garment developed as a speculative fashion probe. We first detail the design and fabrication of the Sumbrella, including sequenced origami-inspired bistable units, fabric pneumatic actuation chambers, cable-driven shape morphing mechanisms, computer vision components and an integrated wearable system comprising a hat and bolero jacket housing power and control electronics. Through a focus group with 12 creative technologists, we then used Sumbrella as a technological probe to explore how people interpreted, interacted and imagined future relationships with soft robotic wearables. While Sumbrella allowed our participants to engage in rich discussion around speculative futures and expressive potential, it also surfaced concerns about exploitation, surveillance and the personal risks and societal ethics of embedding biosensing technologies in public life. We contribute to the Human–Robot Interaction (HRI) field key considerations and recommendations for designing soft robotic garments, including the potential for kinesic communication, the impact of such technologies on social dynamics and the importance of ethical guidelines. Finally, we provide a reflection on our application of speculative design, proposing that it allows HRI researchers to not only consider functionality but also how wearable robots influence definitions of what is considered acceptable or desirable in public settings

Futures contract · Morphing · Robot · Robotics · Soft robotics · Wearable computer · Wearable technology · Advanced Sensor and Energy Harvesting Materials · Innovative Human-Technology Interaction · Social Robot Interaction and HRI

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Open DOIOpen Access