Ro

I was afraid, but now I did it!


“I can‘t do this; I‘m scared.”

Many of us recognize this feeling in various situations. Fear is a natural biological process where adrenaline, noradrenaline, and cortisol release to protect us. However, excessive anxiety often occurs in situations where, rationally, there‘s no need to fear. This overwhelming fear can paralyze and hinder personal development. The anticipation of worst-case scenarios creates anxiety, reinforcing avoidance behaviors, forming a detrimental cycle of escalating fear.

Photos: Paulina Schröder, HS Anhalt, 2024.

To address anxiety, therapists recommend confronting fears (exposure) to associate positive experiences with the situations. In response to this challenge, Ro presents an innovative solution. The Ro waistcoat comprises soft robots crafted from TPU-coated nylon fabric.

A laser meticulously fuses two fabric layers, creating chambers that, when filled with air, take on a three-dimensional shape. This volumetric increase applies a pleasant pressure on the skin, specifically stimulating acupressure points.

For a comprehensive, soothing pressure, all Softrobots, aligned with acupressure points, form a well-thought-out system distributed across the upper body. Air enters from a CO2 cartridge via a valve and can escape through the same valve. Through repeated inflation and deflation, the waistcoat transforms into a dynamic garment, providing continuous massaging relief.

Institute
Dessau Department of Design

Student
Janne Kreimer

SUPPORT
Virginia Binsch
Maria Alicja Maciejko
Martin Wiesner
Karsten Schuhl
Paulina Schröder
Philippe Wassenberg
Marie Kramer
Huang Son Nguyen (Min)
Anita Snegur
Laura Greiner
Carla Geiger

SUPERVISION
Prof. Nicolai Neubert
Prof. Dr. Manuel Kretzer

View Project

The Ro waistcoat thus combines two effective therapeutic approaches: Deep Pressure Stimulation (DPS) by applying even pressure to the body and the targeted activation of acupressure points from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). This not only produces a calming effect, but also activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the release of relaxation hormones. Tense and relax, pump up and pump down, inhale and exhale with Ro in everyday life. 

As acupressure points‘ localization varies based on body shape, age, and gender, Ro employs a modern solution. A body scan creates a 3D digital model, adjusting point distances using algorithmic controls. The waistcoat‘s design integrates acupressure meridians, the energy pathways of the points.

 „I have done it.“

Photos: Philippe Wassenberg, 2024.

Photos: Paulina Schröder, HS Anhalt, 2024.

Video: Rimowa Design Price, 2024.

Institute
Dessau Department of Design

Student
Janne Kreimer

SUPPORT
Virginia Binsch
Maria Alicja Maciejko
Martin Wiesner / Karsten Schuhl
Paulina Schröder
Philippe Wassenberg
Marie Kramer
Huang Son Nguyen (Min)
Anita Snegur
Laura Greiner
Carla Geiger

SUPERVISION
Prof. Nicolai Neubert
Prof. Dr. Manuel Kretzer

View Project

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