The future of electronic fabric

The first products made of electronic fabric including luminescent sleeping pillows can read messages; Backrest pillows can change color; The backpack plays the programmed message with a mobile phone and can play music when connected to an MP3 player.

Researchers from the Phillips Luminescent Technology Group in the Netherlands are working hard with electronic chips and computer processors to integrate electronics into life. In the process of searching for 'environmental intelligence' - that is, ways in which living areas are not dependent on traditional light patterns and more harmoniously integrated into the mood - they have done it. The first step is to install small, light-emitting diodes into clothing without losing the flexibility of the fabric.

(Photo: CAND) Initially, product samples were activated with conventional AA batteries, but researchers are considering the possibility of using a stacking battery, installing it properly into the outfit and charging it with new movements. or by the heat source emitted by the wearer.

Another possibility is to use a hanger to charge the outfit every time you store it in a closet. Joe Merola, program director at the Melbourne International Fiber Center (IFC), revealed about the plan to produce glowing tapestries to guide the way, but they are aiming for another humanitarian goal. of glowing fabric.

This fabric can help patients maintain heat, improve blood circulation, manage heart rate and transmit health status data to a doctor for examination and can be downloaded from a computer. Tiny lights will be put on clothes to emit ultraviolet light for the purpose of healing and adapting to temperature variations - helping people to wear warmer when it is cold and cool when it is hot.

The German Interactive Apparel Company has developed a digital music player jacket with buttons on the sleeves, controlled by fingertips. At Geelong, Australia, CSIRO Fiber and Fabric Research Center is working with the Institute of Nanotechnology at the University of Texas (USA) to install ' smart threads ' of carbon nanotubes into fabrics. Project owner Ken Atkinson said that the motivation behind this research is potential applications in the military. Someday, special suits can help soldiers take energy and water from the environment, bulletproof protection and flexible color changes for safe camouflage.

It will take some time before new electronic fabrics are sold widely. The big problem here is how to do laundry to release sandy, sticky dirt. Nobody likes to go skiing or go out on the beach with clothes that can never be washed!