A Wearable Wristband That Delivers Refreshing Cool Or Soothing Warmth On Demand

Nine months ago, Intel kicked off the Make It Wearable (MIW) Challenge with the goal of inspiring the next big idea in wearables. Part-competition, part-entrepreneurial mentorship program, the challenge attracted thousands of global participants. Since then, 10 teams of young entrepreneurs and developers have been selected to have their limits tested as they push the boundaries of their imaginations—and of wearable technology. From now through the end of October, The Creators Project introduces the teams of finalists in the running for the $500,000 Make It Wearable prize. Earlier this week, we brought you BLOCKS, the modular, snapable open hardware and software wristwatch. Today: Wristify

Project name: Wristify

Videos by VICE

Location: USA

Team Captain: Matthew Smith

Other Members: Sam Shames, Megha Jain, and David Cohen-Tanugi

Project description: Team Wristify has developed the first active personal heating and cooling bracelet. Using the Intel Edison, the wearable wristband adapts to users’ preferences, utilizing biofeedback to respond to physiological cues, and creating a new channel of communication between wearers and their own thermal comfort. Invented by a team of materials scientists from MIT with the express intent to deliver rapid temperature change directly to the skin, and concept designed by Niccolo Cassas, Wristify stimulates thermoreceptors and maximizes sensation per unit energy used. Whether it’s through refreshing cool or soothing warmth, Wristify is a wearable experience with a strong emotional value, and functional hardware that is well-suited for everyday use.

To see the 10 finalists for the Make It Wearable Challenge visit: https://makeit.intel.com/finalists

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