Clubbing after coronavirus: body suit that lets you dance, drink and even vape in safety

Partying might look different in a post-coronavirus world. Design studio Production Club has created Micrashell, a full body suit that “allows you to safely socialise in times of a pandemic”.

In introducing the Micrashell, Production Club acknowledges the value of social distancing for slowing the spread of Covid-19, but notes the potential economic and mental tolls of prolonged isolation.

The studio – headquartered in Los Angeles and Spain – calls it a “socially responsible solution” to enable people be together without distancing, especially at concerts and nightclubs.

So far the suit is just a concept and is not for sale, but it might be in the future.

“Our primary thought is that it will be sold to businesses rather than individuals,” Production Club says.

“Our initial idea has been to have promoters, venues and entertainment groups help subsidise the cost to allow events to operate at a higher capacity and in a safe fashion.

“That said, we’re not closing any doors since we’re still in the early stages and I do believe that there will be some kind of purchase route available as well for music enthusiasts.”

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The top-only design means the Micrashell can be worn over regular clothes, and wearers can go to the bathroom without having to remove the entire suit. It’s powered by two lithium-ion batteries, which can also be used to charge a mobile phone.

Clean air is sucked into a vent on the back of the helmet. Then, the air is supplied to the helmet through distributors in the front, letting people dance next to each other without breathing the same air.

The shield around the eyes is made of a clear hybrid material, and the rest of the helmet is see-through and made of a flexible fabric to allow movement. The helmet contains everything needed for a safe concert experience – filtered air, high-quality speakers and cushioning to ensure a comfortable fit.

To fully recreate the nightlife experience, the Micrashell even allows wearers to vape and drink while staying protected. Canisters with alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks or vape liquid magnetically snap into place on the suit.

Wearers can consume them by pressing a button, and can see how much is left using the integrated smartphone app.

The suit’s gloves and the helmet each have magnetic pull-latches to make them easy to put on and prevent contact with other surfaces. Ultra-sensitive finger tips are useful for maintaining tactility.

Wearers can speak to each other using a wireless voice communication system based on physical location. Different privacy modes allow everyone or only certain groups of people, like a contact list, to speak to the wearer. It can even limit communication to only specific people.

Allowing wearers to control audio levels – like decreasing audio levels of the DJ to have a conversation with a friend – could also improve the traditional concert experience.

The suit features a camera on the chest area that ensures the wearer’s vision isn’t obstructed by blind spots on the helmet or other equipment.

The helmet is covered in LED lights that can be controlled through the app, so depending on how the suit is used, people can change the light to signal different emotions.