HAMK Innovates Smart Wearables for E-sports and Defense – €700,000 Funding from Business Finland
In the Smart Wearables for Team Strengthening project led by Häme University of Applied Sciences, smart wearables that support team performance and capabilities in e-sports and the defense industry will be further developed. Business Finland granted the project 700,000€ in funding to prepare the prototypes for commercialization and lay the foundation for establishing a new growth company.
Smart wearables offer new solutions to the challenges of e-sports and defense. In e-sports, team spirit and smooth cooperation are key factors for performance. Touch has traditionally been found to improve trust and teamwork, but its potential has not yet been widely utilized in e-sports. In the defense sector, smart wearables can support the operational capability of teams.
New innovations in smart clothing: Spiritus Ludi and Ripple
The main goal of the project is to further develop two smart wearables for commercialization.
Spiritus Ludi is a smart sleeve that enables digital touch between team members. When one player touches the sleeve, a short vibration is transferred to the sleeves of other team members. This encourages and builds team spirit, especially in remote gaming situations.
Ripple is a smart sleeve that synchronizes breathing rhythms through gentle feedback, helping teams reduce tension and stress. This strengthens the sense of belonging within teams and improves focus.
In expert interviews, both prototypes have also sparked interest in the defense sector. During the project, various smart wearables experiments will be carried out for the defense sector.
Towards commercialization
At the end of the project, the goal is to establish a growth company that focuses on commercializing smart wearables first in e-sports and later in the defense sector.
The project offers a significant opportunity to accelerate the development of smart wearables and expand research activities internationally.
Project Manager Satu Jumisko-Pyykkö
The rapid growth of e-sports and the technological innovation needs of the defense sector create an excellent foundation for the further development and market launch of smart wearables.
Learn more about smart sleeves
Spiritus Ludi – a smart sleeve enhancing team spirit for e-sports teams
Ripple – a smart garment that enhances peace and community for e-sports teams
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