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Christmas Jumper Makes Sure People Are Socially Distancing

Christmas Jumper Makes Sure People Are Socially Distancing

The prototype has been created by a security firm

Dominic Smithers

Dominic Smithers

A Christmas jumper promises to make sure people are keeping socially-distanced from one another.

Created by security firm SimpliSafe, the festive pullover has been rigged with motion sensors that will pick up when someone gets too close to the wearer.

The sensors in the prototype set off a siren and LED lights that flash if another person gets within six feet.

While it's not a perfect science, the tech company says it uses 'low resolution thermal cameras to monitor your entire perimeter'.

Adding: "The simple algorithm calculates the baseline background temperature and searches for a warm body in the vicinity. When the interloper is detected, flashing LEDs and a siren remind them to keep their distance."

The jumper will go off when someone gets too close to you.
SimpliSafe

Speaking about the tongue-in-cheek stunt, Wade Devers, Creative Director at SimpliSafe, said they company, based in the US, just wanted to give people something to smile about this Christmas, as well as share an important message,

He said: "Heading into the holiday season, it became clear that the typical stressors and logistics of the holidays were going to be exacerbated this year.

"We saw an opportunity to tap into these challenges and the pervasive sentiment of unease. As the experts on protection, albeit home protection, we wanted to give people a playful way to protect themselves during this year's holiday celebrations. It's really meant to bring some lightheartedness to a time that's otherwise proven very stressful."

Now, the firm behind this is not planning on selling these to people, however, they have explained in detail how you can make your very own at home just in time for the festive season.

It's not a genuine product for sale, but the manufacturer has shared the instructions so you can make your own.
SimpliSafe

You can follow the instructions on the SimpliSafe, but you'll need a few things before you get started.

They are:

  • Knit sweater
  • Adafruit Feather Microcontroller
  • Adafruit FeatherWing Music Maker
  • Small 4-8Ohm speaker
  • MicroSD card
  • LilyPad Neopixel LEDs
  • AMG8833 Thermal Array Breakout
  • Ribbon cable (~28AWG)
  • USB Power Pack Battery
  • Inline USB Power Switch
  • 3D-printed housings
  • Twill tape
  • Needle and thread

As an offering of goodwill, the folks over at SimpliSafe are also asking for a small donation to their chosen charity, the NeighborWorks America Rental Resilience Fund, 'which helps keep individuals and families economically impacted by COVID-19 housed through the pandemic.'.

So if you've got a bit of change to spare, it might be something to consider.

And also, it should be pointed out, do be very careful if you do attempt to make your own Covid-secure jumper. Very careful.

This comes as UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson came under pressure to curb the relaxation of restrictions during the Christmas period.

However, despite fears rules would be tightened, with experts warning of a spike in cases in January, Mr Johnson said people would still be able to meet up in their 'bubbles'.

Featured Image Credit: SimpliSafe

Topics: Science, Christmas, UK politics, US News, Technology, Boris Johnson, Politics, Health

Dominic graduated from the University of Leeds with a degree in French and History. Like you, Dom has often questioned how much use a second language has been. Well, after stints working at the Manchester Evening News, the Accrington Observer and the Macclesfield Express, along with never setting foot in France, he realised the answer is surprisingly little. But I guess, c'est la vie. Contact us at [email protected]

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@SmithersDom