Communications of the ACM
Researchers Develop Clothes That Can Monitor and Transmit Biomedical Info on Wearers
Researchers at Laval University have developed smart textiles capable of using wireless or cellular networks to monitor and transmit a range of information on the wearer.
Credit: Stepan Gorgutsa/Laval University
Smart textiles developed at Laval University in Canada could benefit people suffering from chronic diseases and the elderly, as well as firefighters and police officers.
Researchers at Laval's Faculty of Science and Engineering and Center for Optics, Photonics, and Lasers in Quebec City report the smart fibers are capable of using wireless or cellular networks to monitor and transmit a range of information, such as the glucose levels, heart rhythm, brain activity, movements, and spatial coordinates of the wearer.
The team superimposed multiple layers of copper, polymers, glass, and silver to create the smart fabric, which acts as both sensor and antenna. The researchers say the signal quality is comparable to that of commercial antennas.
The fiber is durable but malleable, and can be woven with wool or cotton. However, the researchers still must devise a solution for the power supply.
"We will also have to make sure the fabric is robust, and can stand up to chemicals found in laundry detergent," says Laval professor Younes Messaddeq.
From Laval University (Canada)
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