Smartwatches are already a tradition, a screen, a wide variety of sensors that allow us to collect vast amounts of information in our day to day, but what if in addition Combine it with the concept of TamagotchiInstead of including a virtual pet, carry a living creature that allows actions to be unlocked when taken care of?
That’s exactly the premise of a smartwatch developed by researchers at the University of Chicago, who created a device with a live mold of Physarus polycephalus Visible through a transparent plastic casing.
Here you can see how the clock works
However, unlike virtual pets, it is just as easy if we ignore them. press reset button And try taking care of them again, in the case of this smartwatch the system is much more complex than that.
For example, to feed it, Oatmeal is needed every other day and a drop of water twice a day.
The Theory Behind Smartwatches
In case of non-compliance with these care, the mold grows and closes the gaps in the circuit, “bonding“that which conducts energy for heart rate sensor Which makes the device ready to accurately monitor the health of the user. However, if it is neglected and it dies, it dries out, shrinks, breaks the circuit and renders the sensor inoperable.
animal care on a watch
As detailed in their research, this smartwatch was tested in a study involving five women aged around 30 who used the device for between nine and 14 days, one A time when they experienced both phases of care. where life evolved and flourishedenabling cardiac sensors, and also an “abandonment” phase in which the mold never completely died.
For this to work properly, the mold had to be continuously fed.
According to the researchers, the result is that the participants felt a greater sense of responsibilityNot only for taking care of the smartwatch, but also for the creature inside it, which he compared to a living being, while the oats he added were consumed slowly over time.
Study Says It Was Even Harder for Some Participants transition care For the abandonment phase, because a bond had already been formed with the mold, despite the fact that it meant reducing the daily responsibilities of caring for it.
High level of equipment care
The researchers also point out that fostering relationships and behavior with a living organism through physical care with its tools can change the way you interact with itAnd at the same time, transform our relationships with our teams.
Of course, its results detail some reactions that were surprising to both participants and acquaintances prior to the experiment, but also “friction” with the organism, when not being able to control appearance Why?
Structure of the system for connecting both parts of the device
Also participants comparing it to a traditional smartwatch they considered it the only means which doesn’t require extra care, while doing it against a tamagotchi those who had previous experiences noted that it is something other than being a living element
Comparing an electronic device both in repair, maintenance and repair, he remarked about the level of care for a watch with fungus that it was completely different, as it requires food and water, feel more like an animal,
Furthermore, when asked if he would throw away the watch, the answer revolved around throwing it, but to maintain the mold Or give the entire device to someone else who can take care of it.
