SignalStrength: A wearable EMF feedback device and mapping tool Jonah Brucker-Cohen Media Lab Europe Dialogue of the Senses

SignalStrength: Questions? How do we experience the invisible fields around us? What is our relationship to communication systems as they inhabit and share our space but are invisible to the naked eye? Convenience and personalization seem so effortless with modern technology, but is there a price for innovation? How do these fields affect our bodies, moods, activities, sense of awareness and personal space?

SignalStrength: Detecting Invisible Pollutants Smoke Alarms ---> Smoke, Fire Carbon Monoxide ---> Gas, Exhaust Motion Detectors ----> Intruders Microphones ---> sounds outside our auditory range EMF ----> harmful signals in our environment

SignalStrength: What are EMFs? An EMF (Electro-Magenetic Field) represents the force electrically charged objects exert on each other When charges accumulate on an object they create a tendency for like or opposite charges to be repelled or attracted Any device connected to an electrical outlet, even if the device is not switched on, will have an associated electric field EMFs are strongest close to the device and diminish with distance - common materials such as wood and metal shield against EMFs

SignalStrength: Are EMFs Dangerous? Possible effects from high or continuous exposure can result in: brain tumors miscarriages nausea leukemia birth defects chest pain chronic fatigue headaches forgetfulness cataracts heart problems cancer How do we measure EMFs? Gauss meter - strength of the field Coil of thin wire with hundreds of turns As a magnetic field radiates through the coil, it induces a current, which is amplified by the circuitry inside the Gauss meter.

SignalStrength: Sources and Levels of EMF Computers mG Electric Blankets - EMF penetrates 6-7 inches in to the body! Electric Clocks - 5 to 10 mG Florescent Lights - 60 to 200 mg Microwave Ovens - emit microwaves and ELF Telephones mG Electric Razors/ Hairdryers to 400 mG What is a safe level of EMF exposure? 2.5mG is the average safe level

SignalStrength: Concept Create a wearable and portable device that translates these signals into a tactile experience Use variation in signal strength to provide vibro- haptic feedback to the wearer Inform people directly of the EMF fields in the spaces the inhabit

SignalStrength: Overview Wearable device where the wearer can experience EMF fields in real-time on the skin through vibrating pager motors. Device can distinguish between different types of signals depending on frequency sensed Light-weight and integrated with existing hardware (such as a wrist watch) Able to collect information about locations of EMF signals through GPS tracking and built-in memory to measure mG amounts and position The info collected contributes to a global map of affected areas and is uploaded to an online database

SignalStrength: System 1.User out in the world 2.Device senses EMF signals from anchored and mobile locations 3.Device gives direct vibro-haptic feedback to skin 4.Relays GPS location information to server 5.Updates world map on location of signals, strength (mG), and plots coordinates

SignalStrength: Conclusions/ Apps SignalStrength can be used to: Explore public spaces to discover EMF ‘pollutants’ Translate EMF fields from invisible to tactile experiences Contribute to an online database of polluted areas Warn and inform wearers of potentially harmful areas Communicate information about the spaces we inhabit and change our relationship to these spaces

SignalStrength: References 1. Remain in Light Installation by Haruki Nishijima Senix Sensors 3. EMF Radiation 4. EMF sensors 5. EMF hazards: 6. EMF Research

SignalStrength: A wearable EMF feedback device and mapping tool Jonah Brucker-Cohen Media Lab Europe Dialogue of the Senses