Fritzing

IML404 Final Project - An interactive plush cat

By embedding an interactive system in my plush cat, I wanted to explore how technology changes the way we interact with something as ordinary as a stuffed animal. Plush toys are something that although naturally offer us no physical response during interaction,  manage to stir up emotion and oftentimes deliver positive psychological effects. Together with the TMRPCM and SD libraries, I sewed a speaker, flex sensor, and button into my plush cat. Pressing its left paw triggers purring sound, while squeezing its right arm either triggers a meow or an angry screech in response (depending on the force applied). I found the following example incredibly useful for not only inspiration, but also as an engineering resource: https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-trinket-modded-stuffed-animal/the-bird. In addition, I followed this guide on how to use the Micro SD reader: https://www.instructables.com/id/Audio-Player-Using-Arduino-With-Micro-SD-Card/

Requires soldering and sewing if you want to actually embed it in a cat.