lapka + google project ara collaborate to create haute couture environment sensors

lapka + google project ara collaborate to create haute couture environment sensors
all images courtesy of lapka

shortly after google’s advanced technology & projects (ATAP) group presented the newest prototype of its project ara smartphone, the search engine giant tapped the creative minds at lapka to envision a series of blocks influenced by the exploration of the body network and personal environments. from blood and urine to radiation and carbon monoxide sensors, the san francisco-based tech company imagined seven modules based on their current product line up. the result is a separate line of haute couture accessories designed to support ara’s eco-system.

lapka believes ara is a platform for the internet of things and wants it to become more than just a mobile phone

detail of the ‘haute couture’ modules

detail of the CO2 sensor module

the lapka x google project ara blocks reimagines scientific devices into stylish and accessible technology

the air quality module

the extruding attachment has been designed to collect and analyze air quality samples. ‘air quality affects our comfort, health and other external parts of our environment that we care about,’ explains lapka. ‘now you’ll know when and where should you open a window, where to place your yoga mat, and even why you’re dreaming a certain way.’ the device also detects volatile organic compounds, carbon monoxide, fine particles in the air, temperature and humidity.

the CO2 module

the CO2 adapter checks for carbon dioxide concentrations and features a NDIR (non-dispersive infrared) CO2 sensor. with an 8 hour time weighted average, the block self calibrates the environment and has a 15 minute short term exposure limit.

the EKG module

‘your phone becomes more intimate than ever when holding the phone and measuring your heart becomes the same gesture,’ they add. ‘this degree of accessibility changes your relationship to activity and even what it means to have a pulse.’ the black module is capable of checking the heart’s electrical activity, finding causes of unexplained chest pain, check how well medicines are working and the health of the heart, can follow friend’s hearbeats and translates heart beats through a series of vibrations.

the ‘soul’ module – lapka still hasn’t released any information on this one

the light module

details of the light module includes a lux sensor which detects a level of illuminance, a UV sensor, advises skin and eyes protection and also features a ‘photo assistant’.