3D Knit Spacesuit Sleeve

Self-Assembly Lab, MIT

Self-Assembly Lab Team: Lavender Tessmer, Ganit Goldstein, Skylar Tibbits

In Collaboration with:

Guillermo Herrera-Arcos (MIT Media Lab / K. Lisa Yang Center for Bionics), Volodymyr Korolovych (MIT Institute for Soldier Nanotechnologies), Rachel Bellisle (Harvard-MIT Health Sciences and Technology), Cody Paige (MIT Aeronautics and Astronautics / MIT Human Systems Lab), Atharva Sahasrabudhe (MIT Chemistry / Research Laboratory of Electronics), Hugh Herr (MIT Media Lab / K. Lisa Yang Center for Bionics), Svetlana V. Boriskina (MIT Mechanical Engineering), Dava Newman (MIT Media Lab / MIT Aeronautics and Astronautics)

This paper presents a novel approach to spacesuit fabrication and functionality using CNC knitting to enable precise material control throughout the 3-dimensional structure, creating higher functionality in a seamless and minimal textile architecture. We have developed a 3D textile framework consisting of a computational design workflow, multi-functional fiber integration and a highly customizable 3D layering method that can be adapted to the personalized dimensions of the body. This method includes designating regions for mobility, tunable compression, integrated sensing and quick donning and doffing within a single sleeve prototype as a first step toward a novel approach for spacesuit fabrication. While this work has focused on the spacesuit application, we imagine future applications in other textile architectures and next-generation apparel with integrated monitoring for increased performance, environmental regulation and improved comfort.