Wearables, that is garments and accessories integrating multifunctional devices with different functions (such as body temperature regulators) have been the subject of exhibitions and books as well over the past decade.
Despite initial enthusiasm for these futuristic ideas that gave us a glimpse of what our supermodern wardrobes will look like one day, interest waned due to the perceived inconvenience of integrating in these technological garments bulky batteries and chips that compromised comfort.
New advancements, however, present a breakthrough. A recently published essay entitled "Single body-coupled fiber enables chipless textile electronics" published on the magazine Science and written by a group of Chinese researchers, introduces a thin, flexible fiber capable of wireless energy transfer and sensory processing. This innovation, described as "interactive fiber" (i-fiber), marks a significant leap in wearable technology as it enables wireless visual-digital interactions by harvesting ambient electromagnetic energy for power.
The i-fiber's structure comprises layers facilitating energy capture: its core generates an electromagnetic field, while a middle layer harnesses energy from the human body. An outer optical layer visually depicts this energy. Essentially, electromagnetic energy traverses the fiber, converting into visible light and radio waves.
By manipulating various parameters of the system, such as adjusting the area of fiber in contact with the body or modifying fiber diameter, the wireless signals can be customized. These signals can be easily detected using a coil, and subsequently translated by electronic devices into different commands based on their characteristics.
The fiber can be seamlessly integrated into textile production processes such as weaving and embroidery, retaining functionality despite exposure to washing, dyeing and moisture.
The study illustrates practical applications of the i-fiber, including interactive touchpads and displays integrated into clothing, towels and responsive carpets. These demonstrations exemplify the technology's potential to redefine electronic integration in everyday textiles. Consolidating all electronic components into a miniature fiber streamlines indeed production and aligns with modern weaving techniques, facilitating the creation of versatile and intelligent clothing.
A T-shirt for example could intermittedly display messages, while other applications could also offer dynamic transformations in interior design. Among the prototypes devised by the research team, there are a wearable fabric display integrated with a fabric keyboard, potentially aiding communication for individuals with hearing impairments, and textile controllers for video games, offering new avenues for those ones among us who are sensitive to rigid or rough materials. The researchers also developed a wireless haptic carpet that illuminates underfoot, serving as emergency lighting and transmitting signals to control home appliances.
Further applications extend to robotics, robotic prosthetics, and healthcare, where self-powered wearable electronics could monitor personal health continuously (could this technology be embedded in bedsheets or mattresses that could send signals to a caregiver when a bed-ridden patient needs to be changed or must be turned on the other side to avoid bedsores?). Notably, the body itself in this project becomes an integral part of the design; without it, the electronic fiber remains dormant.
This technology, spearheaded by Donghua University's team, sets the stage for future advancements in functional fibers, promising a new era of wearables. The research builds upon other studies conducted in previous years about the possibility of developing textiles that can respond to biometric feedback, showcasing Donghua University's prowess in textiles research.
Textile designers with a penchant for science and experiments should check out the university's research magazine, Advanced Fiber Materials. The latter proves the institution's commitment to innovation and discovery, so, if you feel uninspired, check the essays published by the journal that cover a variety of topics, from large-scale fabrication of snake-skin-inspired protective composite textiles to bio-imitative synergistic color-changing and shape-morphing elastic fibers with a liquid metal core.
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