Swansea Showcases Smart Clothes for Athletes

The smart clothes use carbon-based stretchable graphene ink that keeps muscle temperature at a constant level to improve athlete's performance.

12:23 21 February 2022

The £132 million Swansea Bay City Deal Campuses project saw the development of technology used for Smart Garments used by athletes, including medal winners in the last year's Tokyo Olympics.

 

Scientists from Swansea University invented a flexible heater using carbon-based stretchable graphene ink that keeps muscle temperature at a constant level. The scientists partnered with the local Health Boards and industry to determine how the same technology could be used for the management of Type 1 diabetes and other medical conditions for professional cyclists. 

 

The project, which is fully funded by the UK and Welsh Governments, aims to expand the medical and sports technology sectors. It is expected to create more than 1,000 jobs in the Swansea area and is predicted to bring £150 million to the regional economy by 2033.

 

Councillor Rob Stewart, Chairman of the Swansea Bay City Deal’s Joint Committee, said: "We are delighted to welcome Minister David T C Davies to Swansea University with the approval of the Campuses Business Case. Led by Swansea University, this project will build on regional expertise in life science, well-being, and clinical innovation which will help prevent ill-health, develop better treatments and improve quality of life. It will also create over 1,000 well-paid jobs, boost the economy and help attract significant additional investment."

 

"The Campuses project is the final one in the Swansea Bay City Deals’ portfolio to be approved, and we are very proud to achieve this significant milestone. We are now focusing on delivering the entire portfolio in order to build a more prosperous region for our residents as well as accelerating our economic recovery from the pandemic."