OmniFiber is a soft robotics fiber developed by researchers at MIT that can bend, stretch, curl, and pulse depending on the movement of the user. The fiber can be woven into fabric and it can respond to the human body. It does this by controlling the pressure and flow rate of air in the hollow channel inside of the fiber.

What feature of the work could we specifically evolve into a technique for wearable kinetic sculpture or costume? 

We could use the fiber’s ability to move around based on the wearer’s movements in wearable kinetic sculptures and costumes. The video also describes a project the MIT researchers are working on that can teach people how to sing. The garment is able to guide users and allow them to have better movement when they try to sing. I find this really fascinating and this material/technology is definitely something really useful in many garments.

What details of the artwork or concept are not immediately apparent and how do they inform the work?

The video mentioned how everything is basically controlled by a miniature wearable platform similar to an electrical circuit. However, how safe and easy it is to use/wear and whether there will be any side effects is not immediately apparent.

Are there closely related works?

Yes, the solar kinetic-powered fabric is something similar. This material uses the sun and movement to generate electricity. They both use channel/wire-like technology that is placed inside the fiber to allow it to move/generate electricity.

Sources:

https://www.engadget.com/mit-omnifiber-172907843.html

https://www.springwise.com/clothing-generate-energy-sun-movement/