Process

-We wanted to simulate or prototype the teddy bear to be as real and as intended to be as possible. we wanted the teddy bear to function the moment it is hugged a "normal" hug. i.e: not just pressing it at a certain spot or through a button. we started with a normal FSR sensor (like the one shown in the below sketch). 

-Second, we wanted to try with something is more sensitive than a spotted FSR allowing hugging from anywhere. We ended up using aluminum sheets with foam in between (with holes) so whenever someone hugs (compresses) the layers of the sheets and the foam they touch each other and connects the circuit. We also knitted a t-shirt for the teddy bear and put the foam inside it to give the teddy a more personalized friendly look. 

-Last thing we tried, was a much wider FSR sensors. Three of them wrapped around the teddy's back and front. The FSR worked pretty fine just like the aluminum sheets. However, they looked more suitable for a kid's small hand. If someone with bigger hands almost the size of the teddy bear, he might get the feeling that the sensors are like buttons on the teddy (which is what we didn't want as previously mentioned). But again, for our purpose, both the Aluminum and the wider FSR performed almost as requested. 

 The following link is the full IoT ecosystem Gallery Page: http://integratedinnovation.xsead.cmu.edu/gallery/projects/sleepstars-wip-8295faa7-5fc4-40ee-b535-27295299c750.