In this section
@inproceedings{Wang:2026:10.1145/3776734.3794525,
author = {Wang, M and Li, Y and Nissen, B and Stewart, R},
doi = {10.1145/3776734.3794525},
pages = {902--906},
title = {MenstaRay: A Knitted Soft Wearable Robotic Interface for Somatosensory Communication of Menstrual Experience},
url = {http://dx.doi.org/10.1145/3776734.3794525},
year = {2026}
}
TY - CPAPER
AB - MenstaRay is a soft knit robotic interface designed to explore how tactile actuation can support somatosensory communication of menstrual experiences. The prototype was created using a fabrication method for knit-integrated soft wearable robotics with two core structural elements: (1) an extensible EcoFlex 00-10 silicone cavity containing internal air chambers and (2) a strain-limiting textile layer knitted with Spandex Super Stretch Yarn (81% nylon, 19% elastane). This configuration enables regulated inflation patterns that preserve the softness of textiles while providing targeted haptic feedback that is suitable for intimate, safe, and therapeutically appropriate interactions. Through a series of workshops, we investigated and evaluated how these dynamic tactile behaviours shaped participants’ embodied reflections on menstrual sensations. This work contributes to human robotic interaction by introducing MenstaRay, a novel artifact coupled with textile-integrated actuation that can externalize intimate bodily sensations and foster new modes of communicating, reflecting on and representing menstrual experiences through wearable interfaces.
AU - Wang,M
AU - Li,Y
AU - Nissen,B
AU - Stewart,R
DO - 10.1145/3776734.3794525
EP - 906
PY - 2026///
SP - 902
TI - MenstaRay: A Knitted Soft Wearable Robotic Interface for Somatosensory Communication of Menstrual Experience
UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.1145/3776734.3794525
ER -