Mumbai: A 'smart' hat that shields its wearer from loud noises, bright lights or unwanted proximity has been developed.
Sangli Li, an interaction designer at California's Art Center College of Design, has created the hat which defends the wearer from unwanted actions, such as a person suddenly shouting in your ear, or leaning in too close. The prototype contains small movable fans that quickly unfold in a blocking manner to cover the wearer's eyes, ears or chin, 'Gizmag' reported.
The hat is equipped with a number of sensors that detect noise, distance, motion and light. According to FastCoDesign, when a bright light flashes in the wearer's face, the fans unfold and cover their eyes. If someone yells at the wearer or gets too close, other fans fold over their ears to physically signal that they are not listening.
Li wanted to make an expressive wearable that did not hesitate in instantly conveying the wearer's alarm at undesirable actions, liberating them from having to be polite .
