S.O.I.L.

By Letizia Artioli & Uptoearth Italia

VIDEO

Concept & Prototype description

Grounded in the exploration of soil as a living entity within the framework of Bio-Intelligent Data, the project investigates the profound interconnection between the human body and the soil through sensory and proprioceptive processes embedded in an innovative wearable technology. Central to this exploration is the concept of attunement, where the wearer aligns iteratively with the dynamic rhythms of the soil, fostering an embodied awareness of its health and vitality.

By translating environmental data into tactile and sonic stimuli, it amplifies the wearer’s awareness, creating a symbiotic relationship with the earth’s skin: soil as a living, breathing entity. The aim is to foster a reimagined engagement with the environment through sensorial stimuli that reconnect humans with soil’s intrinsic value. This holistic approach frames soil as “S.O.I.L.—Sensing Outer Identities Landscape,” emphasizing its central role in ecological and sensory regeneration.

Connection to the scenario
Future scenario: Soil Skinships

The wearable technology concept is aligned with the BIO INTELLIGENT DATA scenario, which envisions a future where the boundary between the physical and digital worlds is blurred. The project connects human proprioception with environmental data, specifically soil health, by translating this data into haptic feedback and sensory stimuli. This creates a new language that allows humans to experience the flow of data from the earth directly through their bodies. In a world where soil biodiversity is under threat, the wearable amplifies the connection between humans and the environment by transforming soil data into sound and vibration, giving voice to the often-overlooked soil microbiome. This hybrid interaction fosters a deeper understanding of living data, making the human body a sensor that perceives the hidden patterns and needs of the earth, thereby creating a symbiotic relationship between humans, non-humans, and the environment. The project envisions a future where human decisions are informed by biological intelligence and emotional connections to the natural world.

Technology

The technology underpinning the project integrates two interconnected components: IoT systems and wearable devices. These elements are designed to function cohesively within a comprehensive data chain, facilitating seamless communication and feedback between the physical environment and the human body. The IoT component gathers real-time data from the soil, capturing critical environmental metrics, while the wearable device interprets and conveys this information directly to the user. The data chain scheme below illustrates this dynamic flow, emphasizing the continuous exchange between the natural world and the individual, creating an integrated system that enhances situational awareness and decision-making. This approach positions the user as an active participant within the broader ecological and technological network.