As I have mentioned several times in previous articles, I am working towards a degree in Human Sciences, despite the protests from several friends and teachers who thought I would be much better in other fields (Journalism, Information Tech, Game Design etc). Currently, there isn’t that many technological otaku goods that have much to do with any form of science, this is why this company, Neurowear’s products are of specific interest to me as use what they call the Augumented Human Body concept. Their products they claim, are fashion accessories and gadgets, which can react to brain waves and other neurological systems.
Their first product is known as Neurowear vol.1 “Necomimi” or “Nekomimi”. Their release on their website is as follows:
People think that our body has limitation,
however just imagine if we have organs that doesn’t exist,
moreover we can control that new body?We created new human’s organs that use brain wave sensor.
「necomimi」is the new communication tool
that augments human’s body and ability.This cat’s ear shaped machine utilizes brain waves
and express your condition before you start talking.Just put on 「necomimi」 and if you are concentrated on,
this cat’s ear shaped machine will rise.
When you are relaxed, your new ears lie down.If concentration and relaxing time comes at the same time,
your new ears rise and move actively.
In general, professional sport players demonstrate their abilities most in this condition.If people show their feeling even they don’t express,
what differences will be happened?
Interesting? Ashamed? Scared?In the beginning, people may feel strange,
however people are getting accustomed to control their new ears by brain waves
if they keep using. At this moment, 「necomimi」can be part of your body.
So essentially, their first product is a pair of cosplay cat ears, which when worn, can move in accordance with your brainwaves and mood. So for example, if you were relaxed, your ears would lie down flat and relaxed, whilst if you were in a frenzy or startled, you would find them standing up and twitching more often.
The above video is from footage taken from a Smike Bazar event which seems to have taken place between the 29th of April and the 1st of May in Shibuya (??) and from what I can tell, it works pretty well, although without being the person on the wearing end, it is pretty hard to decide (Easy for me, if it stands up constantly then it works). So I do hope that in the near future, I will get the chance to try out this technology for myself to… fulfill scientific curiosity (and before I lock a bunch of people in a building, each with a portal gun and several test chambers – Portal 2 Review coming sometime soon.). The use of the brain has been adapted into technological advancements, especially in disabled persons, for many years now, and it is interesting to see how similar technology is being used in other areas and how functional it would be outside of a medical environment.
As this is the first product of theirs, it does make me curious as to what future fashion and accessory products they could release. A number of people on the Facebook page of their company seem to think a moving tail to complement the ears would be a good start. Whilst I am not sure if it would be possible considering the location, if it could be done, I could expect seeing a fair few people wearing these at the next Supanova event, or whatever anime convention is in your area. I suppose a variety of other animal ears (Fox, Usagi etc) would be next on the agenda, but as to how far they can take this… I look forward to seeing.
There is currently no announced release date, cost, of if there will be any official distribution outside of Japan, however considering the website is also in English… I have my hopes up.
For more information, I intend on following this company for a bit, but their official links are:
Official Website: http://neurowear.net/
Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/neurowear
Psst…. The Otaku’s Gaming Study Part 2 coming sometime today.
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