Now here’s something both astonishing and wonderful – a jacket that makes children afflicted with autism feel that they’re being hugged. The smart jacket, dubbed as T.Jacket, would come as a boon to the parents who have to calm and soothe autistic children.
The T.Jacket is the pet project of 30 year old James Teh. It looks practically like a windbreaker but inside lies a vest like contraption that can be controlled via a tablet or an Android smartphone to simulate the pressure akin to a hug. James Teh never had Autism Spectrum Disorder patients in mind when he had this project on the drawing board, but a mother with a child with ASD and an industry expert convinced him otherwise. Teh found that his invention could greatly help control the disorder in its early stages.
A person afflicted with ASD dislikes loud noises and unfamiliar faces. The best way for them is touch pressure therapy or a good ol’ hug! Teh’s jacket would prove effective with ASD afflicted children.
Teh’s T.Jacket is presently under field testing, and being extensively tuned. Teh himself is adding the finishing touches. The T.Jacket is expected to hit markets at a retail price between US $1000 and US $2000.
The T.Jacket has been designed to fit person aged 4 to 19. The built-in vest can be set (with an Android smartphone) to apply inflated pressure that simulates hugs on three levels—soft, medium and tight. It’s with respect to the pressure being applied to the shoulders, back and the abdominal areas. The hugs can be personalized depending on the person wearing the jacket. James speculates that there is a US $1billion market share for the T.Jacket globally and wants to introduce his invention in UK, Japan and Australia soon.
The T.Jacket is presently on the lookout for trial users, partners and investors to make the transition from trial to a fully fledged product. Two companies in Singapore and India have currently signed up to run trials.
Image Courtesy: T.WARE
Via: TodayOnline