PULSE, the 3D printed necklace that reminds you not to touch your face

As we know, the global pandemic caused by Covid-19 has mobilized the additive manufacturing community to seek rapid and efficient solutions to combat the virus. Today, a couple of months after the pandemic reached its peak, it is time to return to the “new normal”. However, this does not mean that we should not take safety measures, or that the coronavirus has disappeared completely. The use of masks and constant hand washing remain mandatory standards to be followed. In this context, and in order to prevent the resurgence of Covid-19 cases, a team of NASA researchers has developed the PULSE necklace, an open source device available to all citizens.

The PULSE necklace is a portable device that integrates a vibration engine with haptic feedback to simulate a real push. This allows users to remember not to touch their face with their hands. The main advantage of this project is the simple and affordable technology needed to create it, so anyone, regardless of their level of experience, can have their own. On the other hand, the necklace has an infrared sensor that wraps around the face to capture any stimulus. In this way, the closer your hand gets to the face, the stronger the vibration emitted.

The pieces that make up the PULSE necklace. (Image credit: JPL Institute)

How to make your own PULSE necklace?

Before you start creating your own PULSE necklace, please note that the designs have not been approved by regulatory authorities. This means that the responsibility for discharging and manufacturing the device lies with the user in question. To start building the device you need an FDM 3D printer, as it is recommended to use PLA thermoplastic as a material, or something similar to it. Once you have the printer and the material, you must download the file from this LINK to start the 3D printing process. According to NASA’s explanation, the device integrates specific electronic parts that you will have to assemble to give life to the PULSE necklace. You can easily find these parts in any electronic store. Once you have all the elements, you will have to follow the instructions until you get your own necklace and then you are ready to start it up!