Use cases
- Long-distance relationships
- Family members staying in touch
- Elderly care & emotional support
Research suggests heartbeat sound and rhythm can help reduce stress and anxiety — a small piece of calm when someone can’t be in the room.
BearHugs
Feel your loved one’s heartbeat, anywhere.
Created in the 2026 Cornell Maker Club Make-a-thon (Feb 2026). Team (alphabetical order): Duke Gandin, Cindy He, Vivian Hu, Jack Zhou.
How it fits together
Signal flows from finger to microcontroller, then out to the web, LED, and motor.
Future directions
- Amplifier & cleaner signal processing
- Physical buttons for “touch” and emotion modes
- Wireless links (no tethered USB)
- Two-way send & receive between partners
Interactive UI demo
This demo simulates a live stream. Drag the BPM slider or tap feelings to see the interface respond.
BearHugs You’re never far away
Partner’s heartbeat Alex
72 BPM
LIVE
Send your feeling