In the not too distant future, sensory carpets may be a common feature in the home.
Interiors specialist Hillarys is working on a concept which harnesses advances in wearable technology to create a safe, affordable and fun multisensory environment for all children.
The Sensory Carpet is a concept which takes into account how children interact with their surroundings.
The carpet would allow youngsters, including those with cognitive impairments, to enjoy lights, sounds and even vibrations, giving them the opportunity to experience the world in a way that is meaningful and fun.
The carpet would use LED lights, sound chips and vibration motors sewn into an under-layer of the carpet.
As the child sits, rolls, crawls or walks across the carpet, a light show, sounds and vibrations will match the movements.
A simple Smartphone app linked to a Bluetooth speaker would control the lights, sounds and vibrations, allowing the user to manage the levels of stimuli to suit their child’s needs and mood.
When not in use, the extra soft, plush carpet simply provides a safe, warm and stylish floor surface for the home. If these were to go from concept to production, the team at Hillarys would work with child development experts to ensure features that are beneficial in aiding cognitive growth, while still providing age appropriate entertainment.
Tara Hall, spokesperson for www.Hillarys.co.uk, said: “Babies, toddlers and young children love to explore, using all their senses to experience the world around them. It’s wonderful to think that advances in wearable technology could help expand the horizons of many children, all in the comfort of their own homes.”