ThreadBoard is a magnetic breadboard for embedded computing that allows for the rapid prototyping of e-textile circuits. The motivation behind the project was to develop a tool that will adapt to the unique set of constraints that creators face when fabricating an e-textile project. The tool takes into account the fabric-based nature of textiles with the electronic capabilities of ubiquitous computing, and with this device, makers can rapidly prototype circuit designs, debug mistakes and test components. 

ThreadBoard was developed in CU Boulder's Craft Tech Lab and at the ATLAS Institute. The project is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Award #1742081. The project page can be found here.

Here is an instructable for building your own.

 

 

 

Publications

  • Schneider, M., Hill, C.,  Eisenberg, A., Gross, M. and Blum, A. 2020. A Software Debugger for E-textiles and Arduino Microcontrollers, (to appear) FabLearn 2020 - 9th Annual Conference on Maker Education (FabLearn '20) (New York–Oct. 10-11, 2020).

 

Additional associated researchers: Michael Schneider, educational data analyst, Office of Information Technology, CU Boulder, Arielle Blum, instructor, Electrical, Computer and Energy Engineering, CU Boulder

Associated Researchers

Ann Eisenberg
Ann Eisenberg
Senior Research Associate
Institute of Cognitive Science
Mark Gross
Mark D. Gross
Professor • ATLAS Director • DESIGN, ROBOTICS, TANGIBLE INTERACTION • COMPUTER SCIENCE
ATLAS Institute
Chris Hill
Chris Hill
HUMAN COMPUTER INTERACTION, HUMAN AUGMENTATION, CHILDREN'S EDUCATION, WEARABLE TECHNOLOGY
ATLAS Institute