University of Washington Smart Clothing

2018 may see the arrival of smart clothing that features data storage without using electronics and batteries.

16:03 23 January 2018

Researchers at the University of Washington are attempting to use smart clothing that could allow you to store digital data without the use of electronics and batteries. Entitled Data Storage and Interaction using Magnetised Fabric, the research highlights the innovative fabric design that “harnesses the ferromagnetic properties of conductive thread.” The technology can be used to create smart accessories, such as ties, wristbands and belts.

 

Researchers claim that smart clothing can be used for imaging and gesture recognition as well as data encoding, such as door pass codes. Recent tests confirm that the technology has an accuracy rate of 90.1per cent and recalls data even after washing, drying and ironing.

 

However, the magnetic patches are found to weaken overtime. After a week of use, they lost between 28per cent and 36per cent of their original field strength. However, they were never completely demagnetised.

 

A similar product was created in partnership between Google and Levi’s. The two firms have created touch-sensitive jackets designed to operate a smartphone. Researchers from the Universities of Nottingham and Washing are also in the process of creating similar technology that can offer the public with trendy garments that feature smarter functionalities.