Future Fabrics: Computerized Clothing

Future Fabrics Computerized Clothing In the future, gadgets won't be sitting idle in your pocket. Rather, they'll be working as a second skin collecting data while keeping you clothed. Early e-textiles In the early days, wearing a computer meant wires running through a garment. Today, e-textiles mean technology is woven into the fabric itself. FIRST E-TEXTILE GARMENT Smart Shirt by the Georgia Institute of Technology in 1996. Designed for soldiers in combat, medical personnel could pinpoint the exact location of a bullet wound. In the last two decades, electronic fabrics have evolved to look a lot more natural. Electronic Apparel HEATEX Heat-generating fabric by Kolon Glotech. Fabric uses a conductive polymer to create heat. Heats uniformly HEATE Waterproof and Washable windproof Also includes a smartphone app that can control temperature and track its whereabouts. BIOMAN FABRIC Body-monitoring jersey fabric by AiQ. Heart rate estyl n te Seam ies.p high te lifestye htinues . by u w solu ogy tex AIQ. Skin temperature Respiration rate Fabric is made conductive by stainless steel yarn. Fabric monitors vital signs and transmits data to a smart phone for analysis. SUPEROMNIPHOBIC COATING Liquid-repelling fabric by the University of Michigan/Air Force Research Laboratory. Stain free Resistant to Bacteria free corrosive acid Combines silicone with a polymer so that fabric becomes impenetrable by liquid. Fabrics of the future FITNESSSHIRT BY FRAUNHOFER IIS WHAT? HOW? STATUS? Sports shirt that monitors heart rate, breathing and posture Textile electrodes pick up activity from muscles Awaiting further development SMART BRA BY FIRST WARNING SYSTEM WHAT? HOW? STATUS? Sports bra that can detect 16 sensors are built into cell mutations in breasts the bra that monitor heat Still in clinical trial before they might be picked up by mammogram patterns and breast shape SMART-E-PANTS BY THE UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY WHAT? HOW? STATUS? Underwear has built-in Electronically stimulates buttock muscles to combat electrodes that deliver electric shocks that mimic £125, not yet available in clinics the effect of fidgeting around, which sends fresh blood flow to buttocks bedsores SENSORIA FITNESS SOCKS BY HEAPSYLON WHAT? HOW? STATUS? Socks that can track weight Material is equipped with distribution and foot form sensors that transmit data Prototype stage data during standing, walking and running to an activity tracker Augmented reality check Futuristic clothing needs a futuristic shopping experience. With augmented reality, customers can enjoy the benefits of both online and in-store shopping at the same time. Interactive Marketing: Augment The Augment smartphone app lets you T-shirt come to life with videos. Virtual fitting rooms: Shoppers can browse clothes available both in-store and online, and 3D technology can detect clothing sizes and suggest matching items. Recycling e-Textiles RECYCLING RATE IN THE EU With the trend to integrate electronics and fabrics deeply, it will be more technically challenging to recycle e-textiles. 22.8% 25% Electronics Textile Combining two products that are not currently well recycled could amount to 1 million tonnes of waste per year. Computerized clothing has not hit mainstream yet - meaning sustainability issues can still be ironed out in the industry's early stages. Sources Next-generation clothing monitors your heart, tracks your posture and gives you a hug - gizmag.com Stain-Proof Material Can Repel Virtually Any Liquid - technewsdaily.com "Smart bra' finds breast cancer long before mammogram - mnn.com Electronic pants may prevent bed sores - guardian.co.uk This Augmented Reality App Could Change the Way We Shop Online - mashable.com Yihaodian, Chinese E-Grocer, To Open Augmented Reality Markets Where Userse Shop With Phones - huffingtonpost.com Tesco introduces virtual fitting room mirrors in three stores - retail-week.com Aluminium, cotton and lithium needlessly wasted - foeeurope.org Fischer, C. and Davidsen, C. (2010), Europe as a Recycling Society, European Environment Agency Fashion victims - resource.uk.com BROUGHT TO YOU BY shirtworks T-Shirt Printers & Clothing Embroiderers www.shirtworks.co.uk